Don't act like the "Biebs" if facing a DUI

In case you haven't heard Justin Bieber was arrested for a DUI in late January of this year.  As more time has passed some of the facts of the arrest are being disclosed to the public through the media.  Not surprisingly the "Biebs" wasn't too smart and did exactly what you're not supposed to do when facing a DUI arrest.  So where did he go wrong?

The first thing he did wrong was admit he had consumed alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs earlier.  Now I'm not a proponent of denying completely you had consumed alcohol when questioned by a police officer.  I think a driver can admit to having one drink for a couple of reasons.  First it shows a driver is not being dishonest about the consumption.  Especially if it is evident the driver had consumed alcohol.  Secondly it is not illegal to consume alcohol and drive.  However should an investigation officer for a DUI continue to ask follow up questions the driver should immediately request to speak with a experienced DUI Lawyer.  

The second thing the Biebs did wrong was agree to perform the field sobriety tests.  Every DUI Lawyer out there will say to politely decline these tests.  They will not help in any way and are only used against you.  

Lastly and most importantly the Biebs was a jerk to the investigating officer.  From what little I read it doesn't sound too bad.  But he did make a couple of smart ass comments to the investigating officer that could potentially hurt him down the road of the case were to go to trial, or even during the negotiation with the Prosecutor.

Remember if you're being investigated for a DUI chances are you will get arrested.  So do yourself a favor and politely decline to answer any follow questions, politely decline any field sobriety tests, and most importantly don't be a jerk or a smart ass to the arresting officer.  You will not help yourself in any way by acting like that.

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About the author:  Matthew Leyba is a DUI lawyer in Seattle.  He has been named a Rising Star repeatedly by the Seattle Met Magazine in the area of DUI Defense, an honor only 2.5% of all Lawyers in Washington State receive.  Additionally he is rated as a 10/10 by Avvo.com and named a Superb DUI Lawyer.