4 Things to Know if Charged With a DUI
Did you know that about 1 million people in the U.S. or DUI. each year are arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
The CDC, however, says that tally is a drop in the bucket and that many more motorists drive while impaired.
Considering the risks posed by impaired drivers and the public awareness campaigns that have been around for decades, you’d think everyone would know that drinking and driving don’t mix. But many people throw caution to the wind and get behind the wheel when they shouldn’t.
You must take the matter seriously if arrested for a DUI offense. A criminal charge can negatively impact you in many ways. It can make it hard to find a job or force you to look elsewhere if your employer decides to cut you loose. Depending on the situation, a guilty verdict may also result in imprisonment, a license suspension, and other penalties.
Since a lot’s at stake when facing a DUI charge, you’ll want to do these four things.
1. Keep Your Cool
Some things are easier said than done. If, while driving, you see a police car behind you with their lights activated, it’s easy to panic. But that’s the worst thing you can do. Stay calm, and be respectful.
Being rude or indignant with the law enforcement official won’t work. If you’re combative, you’ll make a bad situation worse.
2. Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
If arrested by a police officer, you’ll be read your Miranda rights, which give you the right to remain silent. Anything you say to the police can and will be used against you. So, while you should comply and provide basic information like your name, proof of insurance, and proof of car ownership, you shouldn’t say anything about the supposed DUI situation.
You definitely should not acknowledge guilt. Whether you’re guilty or not is up to a judge to decide. If you wind up answering too many questions and incriminating yourself, your lawyer’s job will be harder. You’ll harm your odds of a decision in your favor if you say too much.
Exercise your right to remain silent, and let the police know you wish to retain a criminal defense lawyer before submitting to an interrogation.
3. Hire a Lawyer
After exercising your right to remain silent, hire a lawyer. But don’t just retain any attorney. You need a legal professional experienced in helping clients facing DUI charges. The lawyer should have a solid track record of achieving stellar results so that your chances of success are good.
You can count on a DUI lawyer to explain the process, answer your questions, and give you an honest assessment of the likely possible outcomes. The last thing you need is for anyone to sugarcoat anything.
After assessing the facts about your case, your lawyer will build a solid case. The legal professional will also identify any procedural missteps by the authorities that could help your cause. You can count on a good lawyer to help get the charges thrown out or the penalties reduced.
4. Gather Evidence
The more evidence you can gather, the better. If there are people who can vouch for you, great. Collect their names and contact details. You should also hold on to any receipts that demonstrate how much you may have consumed at whatever establishment you might have patronized.
While no one wants to face a DUI situation, many such arrests take place every year. Avoiding such problems is always the best decision. Otherwise, you’ll want to find a good DUI lawyer.
