Nov 21, 2017
The Importance of Silence
Never forget that it is your right to remain silent when you are being questioned by the police. This is a right that should always be exercised and you should only talk to the authorities in the presence of your lawyer.
In a recent Virginia case, Robert Alan Novotny was accused of involuntary manslaughter after his car hit another car head-on and killed the driver of the vehicle he hit. When questioned about drug use, Robert told the officers about the prescription medications he took. They then tested for the presence of buprenorphine (an active ingredient causing drowsiness, etc., in all three of his prescription medications), which was found to be in his bloodstream.
Had Mr. Novotny remained silent, his blood would never have been tested for that specific chemical and would most likely have not been convicted of a charge as serious as involuntary manslaughter. Remember, do not divulge any information to the police if you are being questioned without the presence of an attorney. Even such a seemingly innocent event, like rattling off your legally prescribed drugs, can land you in legal hot water. If you live in Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Winooski, Williston, Shelburne or anywhere in the State of Vermont, and have been arrested or charged with DUI or any crime, call Handy Law for aggressive and experienced legal defense.