A college student was driving home late on a Friday night from the library. He knew he had a broken taillight, so he was driving as carefully as he could. Still, he attracted the attention of a member of the local law enforcement community, who pulled over his vehicle to conduct a sobriety check.
The officer noticed a strange lump in the driver’s pocket and upon being asked what was in there, the young man told the officer that he was an amateur magician and a juggler (which explained the “JUGGLER” license plate on the car). In order to demonstrate to the officer that he was not inebriated, he performed a juggling routine, which was caught on the officer’s squad camera. The officer was indeed satisfied by the performance, and let the young man go without issuing a citation. When asked about it later, the officer admitted that it was the most fun he ever had on a traffic stop.
As Chicago DUI defense attorneys, we often counsel people not to speak to the officer, not to perform any field sobriety tests, and to refuse any sort of chemical testing during a DUI investigation. That is because all too often, compliance with these procedures puts evidence of wrongdoing directly into the hands of the officer, who will then present this evidence in court to prove the state’s case—and the defendant’s guilt.
If You’re Tempted to Bust Out Your Special Skill at a Traffic Stop…
In light of this story, you might think that if you have a special talent or skill, you should consider volunteering to perform for the officer when you know you have not been drinking or partaking in other intoxicating substances. You might hope that it will get you out of the situation with no ticket at all and with a very entertaining story to tell your family and friends.
Despite the fact that everything worked out well for this driver, our advice is that it’s probably not a very good idea. In other words, keep your sword-swallowing to yourself!
Instead, like the rest of us without special skills, do not attempt to perform your way out of trouble, and stick to the advice we lawyers give:
- Be polite, but
- Do not answer additional questions, and
- Do not agree to perform any sort of field sobriety tests or chemical tests.
In Chicago and throughout Illinois, DUI charges are very serious, and can have devastating consequences for your driving privileges, your freedom, and your finances. If you are facing a DUI charge (or any serious criminal or traffic violation), then you need the experienced DUI lawyers at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC to fight for you. With our many years of experience, as well as our proven results, we are the ones to call when you need help defending your driving privileges, your rights, and your freedom. Call us at once at (312) 644-0444 to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation, absolutely confidential consultation with one of our lawyers at either our Chicago office, our Arlington Heights office, or another locations near you.
