Three Drinks and a Lesson: What a Mock DUI Taught Me About Justice Part 4: Left Unnerved

Overall, my arrest experience was surprising. Although fake, it was unnerving to be placed in handcuffs and escorted into an area with multiple signs about prisoner booking and detainment. I mentally prepared for the intoxication screening beforehand and still managed to let my nerves get the best of me. A major difference is that, while handcuffed and escorted, I could rationalize that my situation was temporary and controlled. I didn’t have to dread the future consequences or wonder how long it would be before I had a full range of motion again. Those who truly experience getting arrested do not have this luxury. I’ve heard plenty of people say with confidence that they could pass field sobriety tests while intoxicated. So, I went into them determined to do the same, and learned it’s not that simple. Everyone wants to believe they can pass, but it’s different when you’re face to face with an officer trained to detect intoxication. My advice: do not test your luck. If you’re intoxicated, they will detect it, and you will be held accountable. It’s much easier to pay for an Uber or wake a sleeping family member than to navigate the criminal justice system and live life with a DUI charge. The officers had similar advice, stating that most accidents are a result of distractions, mainly alcohol and texting. Your safety is not worth the risk, so stay vigilant, don’t drink and drive, don’t text and drive, and be safe.