Getting pulled over for a DUI in Indiana can be a psychological game from the moment the officer approaches your car. Officers often use a friendly tone to encourage you to talk and unknowingly incriminate yourself, claiming they just want to make sure you’re safe. While requesting your license and registration, they’re observing your behavior and scanning for signs of impairment, all while subtly administering tests without telling you. If they ask you to step out for field sobriety tests, it’s likely they already believe you’re impaired. These tests—such as the walk-and-turn or one-leg stand—are subjective, physically demanding, and not legally required in Indiana, meaning there’s no penalty for refusing to perform them.
The deception continues with the portable breath test (PBT), which is not admissible in court but used as a tool to keep you cooperating. Officers may manipulate the results or refuse to disclose them, regardless of your performance. Once in the squad car, even if you’re not officially under arrest, the questioning continues in hopes of collecting more evidence. If taken to the station, refusing a certified chemical test (breath or blood) can lead to a lengthy license suspension, so choosing a blood test, if you have the option, is usually the better option. Ultimately, the safest move is to know your rights, refuse field sobriety tests but take the chemical test, remain silent, and immediately ask for a lawyer. The Marc Lopez Law Firm is ready to fight these tactics and help you navigate the legal maze that follows.