Did you know approximately 1 million arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are made each year in the United States?
Despite national campaigns to spread the word that operating vehicles while under the influence is wrong, too many people aren’t getting the message. If you’re ever charged with a DUI offense, a conviction can have long-lasting personal, professional, and financial consequences.
Whether you’ve faced such charges before or it’s a first-time offense, hiring the right criminal defense attorney is essential. But here’s the rub: you must avoid the types of mistakes that could undo the efforts of your legal representative, no matter how hard they work on your behalf.
Here are three things you must avoid if facing DUI charges and hoping for a good outcome.
1. Don’t Talk Too Much
You’ve no doubt heard that you have the right to remain silent and anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. The problem for many people stopped by the authorities is they don’t pay heed to their Miranda Rights and say way too much.
On the one hand, people who are innocent might say too much because they believe that speaking freely shows they have nothing to hide. On the other hand, the perpetrators might prattle too freely because they believe that doing so makes it appear they have nothing to hide. But any criminal defense lawyer will tell you that silence is golden.
While you must identify yourself if asked to by a police officer, you don’t have to answer questions outside of identifying who you are. That might involve presenting your driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle ownership information.
However, answering questions about where you were, how much you might have consumed, or how long you were at an establishment isn’t necessary. Inform the police officer that you want to hire an attorney before answering such questions.
2. Don’t Refuse Tests Before Knowing the Consequences of Doing So
Depending on the state you live in, you may or may not have the right to refuse chemical tests like blood tests or breathalyzer tests. You must know if you can refuse such tests without incurring legal penalties that could work against you in court. In some states, you could face an automatic driver’s license suspension if you refuse these tests. So, don’t refuse any tests without knowing if doing so could come back to bite you.
Another thing to know is that you can refuse field sobriety tests that might include, for instance, walking in a straight line or reciting the alphabet since these tests are subjective. Knowing what you are and are not required to do according to the law can keep you out of trouble.
3. Don’t Delay Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer sooner rather than later is essential. You should inform the police of your intention to hire one right after an arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence. After retaining the services of a lawyer, you’ll have the legal representation you need.
The lawyer will sit with you through any interrogation and ensure your rights are respected.
Waiting too long could jeopardize your chance of achieving a desirable outcome in court or at the bargaining table.
A good lawyer will explain what you’re up against, let you know your odds of success, and ensure you make informed decisions.
You’ll want to avoid these mistakes if facing DUI charges. Hiring a good criminal defense lawyer is the best thing you can do since you’re less likely to commit missteps when you have legal representation.
