Close

DUI Stop

How to Handle a DUI Stop in California

In general, when you are signaled to pull off the road by a police officer, the officer must have a reason to stop you. Any violation of the California Vehicle Code can be reason for the officer to pull you over. Maybe one of your taillights is out, or the officer observes you speeding through a residential area — at that point the officer has a right to pull you over and write you up for the violation.

During the stop, if the officer suspects you are intoxicated you will likely be asked if you have been drinking. It’s natural to feel nervous when you are being questioned by law enforcement personnel, but it’s important to know that any statements you make may be included in an officer's arrest report along with any observations the officer makes at the time of the arrest. If you voluntarily state that you have been drinking, that statement provides the officer with supporting evidence necessary to proceed with a DUI investigation. Therefore, statements made during the arrest can be crucial to your case, and should be made carefully.

Your Rights During a Traffic Stop

However, every person has a Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination. This right protects you from having to provide evidence that can be used against you in court. In the case of a DUI stop, this gives you the option to remain silent. If you decide not to make a statement to the officer at the time of arrest, it weakens the prosecutor’s case. The officer will have a difficult time getting concrete evidence establishing reasonable suspicion for intoxication if you politely refuse to answer questions during a traffic stop.

Many people believe that if they refuse to answer an officer’s questions, they will be treated rudely or punished more harshly with additional charges. While these are reasonable concerns, you are not legally required to say whether you have had a drink or not. Without sufficient evidence, the officer is not allowed to submit you to field sobriety tests or pose other questions that would help gather evidence for a DUI.

Even though you have the right to politely refuse to answer questions, you should never lie to a law enforcement officer because you would then be liable for perjury. It’s possible to be cooperative during a DUI arrest without making statements that can be used against you in court.

Experienced California DUI Defense Attorneys

If you have been charged with a DUI in California, contact the Los Angeles DUI lawyers at HOFFMAN & ASSOCIATES to schedule an opportunity to discuss your case. At your consultation, you will learn about all of your legal options, potential defenses, and how we will work to skillfully prepare your defense and successfully solve your legal problem. We work in courts throughout the state of California and have over 30 years of daily courtroom experience. Our offices are located in both Los Angeles and San Diego for your convenience.


Practice Areas
Client Reviews
★★★★★
I can't begin to thank Mr. Hoffman enough for his extensive efforts throughout the entire case. He went absolutely above and beyond throughout the entire process. From day one he was immediately actively pursuing ways to prevent my case from ever going to court and once that was no longer an option, actively began working on getting the case ultimately dismissed. His communication was consistent and reassuring, despite my frantic worries all the time... Micaiah Botts
★★★★★
My family and I simply owe our life and future to Ron Hoffman. If you are looking for a lawyer that goes above and beyond the call of duty you can't find a better lawyer than Ron. He took my case head on from the moment I called his office. I was involved in an accidental hit and run where I was unaware of the injury. Every step of the way, Ron guided me through an almost two year long investigation and court settlement process and was constantly by my side through out every crossroad... Bill Martin
★★★★★
Ron Hoffman and his staff were Fantastic when dealing with such a serious issue of DUI. When I first Called Ron I was very nervous and worried for my daughter and her freedom. She had a failure to appear on top of her DUI and I knew just how bad this could be. Ron was able to immediately put me at ease and gave me the confidence that there was hope and a light at the end of the tunnel. Ron was able to get the failure to appear dismissed and also no jail time for my daughter... Claude Brown
★★★★★
I have been working with Mr. Hoffman for over 11 years. I have seen first hand his genuine dedication to his clients, and how his experience, knowledge and passion have gotten clients fantastic results. He treats each of his clients as his only client, and takes the time to develop detailed strategies and defenses for each individual case. I have never hesitated to refer Mr. Hoffman to anyone who has asked me for a good Criminal Defense attorney. He is a fantastic attorney!... Neeta P.
★★★★★
I had a DUI issue recently. I have never had a problem with the law as serious as this one. I did panic a bit after and knew I had to get a lawyer to help my future. I researched the Web and read the reviews for awesome DUI Lawyers. Hiring a lawyer can be intimidating. Ron's 30 years experience and step by step guidance helped me with my case. Jonie was amazing with keeping me calm. Ron Hoffman is a great lawyer and I would refer any friends or family to him... Manuel Gomez
★★★★★
Ron was so accommodating and professional. With a Firm like his you wouldn't expect him to be as accessible, but he immediately returned phone calls, was easy to communicate with and was very sympathetic to my situation. He went above and beyond and was able to get a better result than I'd hoped or expected. I highly recommend Ron Hoffman and his firm. He made a difficult and anxiety fueled process bearable and made me feel safe. He is a lovely man. One does not wish to need a criminal attorney, but if you do need one, Ron's the guy to call... Teri A.
★★★★★
Ron and his team were the perfect pairing for what I needed taken care of. Every step of the way he was extremely helpful and informative (not his first rodeo). His work ethic and attitude were exemplary and it showed with the results of using his services. I would recommend anyone I know to give Ron a call if they need help in his realm of expertise. Many thanks Ron and associates!... Donald N.
★★★★★
I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI... What a mistake! Ronald goes above and beyond with his art and knowledge of custom strategy according to your case. lawyer of the year (every year)... Adam R.
★★★★★
I hate lawyers. They are hard to get a hold of, greedy and unreliable. Ron is the opposite of all these things. He deserves 6 stars, and I very much recommend him. He helped me through my case with nothing but kindness, understanding, and knowledge and eventually got it dropped. Thanks for everything Ron!... Avi Z.
Contact Us
Start Chat