• DWI Arrest
• DWI Court Process
• DWI Expungement
• DWI Penalties
• Field Sobriety Tests
• BAC Testing
• PBT Test
• How to Avoid a Traffic Stop
• Ignition Interlock
• SATOP
• SR-22
• Statements to Police
• Police Observation

Defendants Statements As Evidence

Often people stopped for suspicion of drunk driving will answer a police officer´s questions hoping to talk their way out of the investigation or because they don't realize their statements can be used against them later in court.

St. Louis DWI lawyers understand the confusion people have regarding "Miranda" and the use of statements against them. Some people mistakenly believe statements made prior to a Miranda warning are not admissible in court. THIS IS NOT TRUE. Some statements made voluntarily or in the course of any investigation can be used against you regardless of the Miranda warning.

The 5th Amendment right to not incriminate yourself can be a confusing and complex area of law. The best course of action is provide as little information as possible during an investigation and politely state that you prefer to speak with an attorney before answering any further questions beyond identifying yourself.

When you meet with a DWI lawyer, be sure to tell the attorney everything that transpired including the information you provided the police officer. The attorney can help provide the best possible DWI defense case when he/she is aware of all the evidence, such as police officer observations, defendant statements, field sobriety tests, portable/preliminary breath tests and BAC test results.