How Should I Handle Being Stopped for Suspected DUI?

July 10, 2026

Being pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) is a stressful experience, and the decisions you make in those first moments can have a direct impact on the outcome of your case. Pennsylvania law gives law enforcement broad authority during a DUI stop, but you also have legal rights. An attorney at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes can review what happened during your stop and advise you on how to move forward.

What Should You Do When You Are First Pulled Over?

As soon as you see emergency lights behind you, pull over to the right side of the road in a safe location as quickly as reasonably possible. Turn off the engine, turn on your interior lights if it is dark, and place your hands on the steering wheel where the officer can see them. Avoid reaching for your license or registration until the officer asks for them. Sudden movements can create tension and raise suspicion before a word is spoken.

When the officer approaches, be polite and remain calm. You are required to provide your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when asked. Beyond that, you have the right to remain silent. You are not required to answer questions about where you have been, what you had to drink, or where you are going. Politely inform the officer that you are choosing not to answer questions without an attorney present.

Should You Agree to Field Sobriety Tests?

In Pennsylvania, field sobriety tests are voluntary. These are the roadside exercises an officer may ask you to perform, such as walking in a straight line, standing on one leg, or following a light with your eyes. You have the right to decline these tests without automatic legal penalty. Field sobriety tests are highly subjective, and performance can be affected by factors that have nothing to do with alcohol consumption, including nervousness, fatigue, footwear, road conditions, and certain medical conditions. Declining a field sobriety test may not prevent an arrest if the officer has already formed an opinion based on other observations.

What About Chemical Testing?

Chemical testing is a different matter. Pennsylvania’s implied consent law requires drivers to submit to chemical testing, typically a blood or breath test, when a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe they are driving under the influence. Refusing a chemical test carries automatic consequences, including a license suspension that is separate from any criminal penalties you may face.

If you are asked to submit to a breath test at the station or a blood draw, understand that refusal triggers its own legal consequences and that the refusal itself can be used as evidence in court. If law enforcement is able to obtain a search warrant, they will still be able to obtain this evidence. Meanwhile, you will be facing additional penalties for a failure to cooperate.

What Should You Do After You Are Stopped or Arrested?

If you are arrested, do not make statements to law enforcement without an attorney present. Exercise your right to remain silent clearly and calmly. Once you are able to do so, write down everything you remember about the stop, including the time, location, what the officer said, what tests you were asked to perform, and any other details about the interaction. This information can be valuable to your attorney when building your defense.

Pennsylvania DUI charges carry serious consequences that escalate based on your blood alcohol content at the time of the stop and whether you have prior offenses on your record. A first offense can result in fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol treatment. Higher-tier offenses and repeat offenses carry the possibility of incarceration.

What Defenses Are Available in a Pennsylvania DUI Case?

A DUI charge does not automatically result in a conviction. Defenses may include:

• Challenging whether the officer had reasonable suspicion to initiate the stop.
• Questioning the administration and reliability of field sobriety tests.
• Examining whether chemical testing equipment was properly calibrated and maintained.

An experienced attorney will review every aspect of your stop and arrest to identify where the evidence may be challenged.

West Chester DUI Lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes Is Ready to Defend You

If you were stopped for suspected DUI in Pennsylvania, contact the West Chester DUI lawyer at the Law Offices of Heather J. Mattes. Our experienced legal team can provide you with the legal defense you need to protect your rights. You can schedule a free initial consultation by filling out an online contact form or by calling us today at 610-431-7900. Our office is in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and we serve clients in the surrounding areas.