About three in 10 traffic crash deaths in the U.S. involve drunk motorists. That should be enough to discourage anyone from getting behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol. But it isn’t.
If charged with a DUI offense, you’ll want to keep your cool. That’s easier said than done after a police officer pulls you over, however. Whether you had a little to drink, a little too much to drink, or nothing to drink, you need to know what to say and what not to say.
Continue reading to see some things you should and should not do. You likely won’t be surprised to see that one of the things you must do in this scenario is contact a DUI lawyer for counsel.
Don’t Speak More than Necessary to the Police
Flapping your gums too much can do you more harm than good. You should confirm your identity and provide any documentation proving car ownership and insurance. But resist the urge to plead your case. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right until after you retain a criminal defense lawyer to represent you. Don’t be disrespectful. Simply ensure you inform the police that you want to retain a lawyer before answering their questions.
Do Hire a DUI Lawyer
After an arrest for a DUI offense, you must contact a criminal defense lawyer to help you navigate the legal process. Ensure you find a criminal defense attorney experienced in helping people facing DUI charges. They’ll be able to answer your questions, lay out your options, recommend the best course of action, and represent you in court.
Don’t underestimate the importance of finding a legal professional who understands the legal process. A lot is at stake when facing criminal charges. The right lawyer will build you a rock-solid case to increase your odds of success if the case goes to court.
Do Make a Note of Possible Witnesses
Make a note of possible witnesses who can back up your statements. If you were at a gathering and there were people there who could vouch for you, write down their names and contact details. One of the witnesses can confirm, for instance, if you had a single drink or didn’t drink any alcohol at all. Tell your attorney about all possible witnesses. Your lawyer will follow up with them and determine if they have any evidence that can help your case.
Do Make a Note of Everything That Happens After Your Arrest
Inform your lawyer of everything that transpires after your arrest — and what happens leading up to it. Take notes and give them to your criminal defense attorney so they know everything that happens. Your lawyer will look at the information and determine if the police did everything by the book or made any procedural errors before or after your arrest. Anything done that violated your rights could result in a judge dismissing your charges. So, it pays to hire a good lawyer.
Do Respect Your DUI Lawyer’s Counsel
While you have decisions to make, consider your criminal defense attorney’s counsel. Your lawyer has the experience you need to get you the right decision. So, if your lawyer gives you advice based on years of experience, you should heed the advice. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with everything. But consider the advice carefully as you make your decisions.
Read also Fighting for Your Rights in Atlanta’s Criminal Appeals Court.
These are some dos and don’ts to remember if you ever face DIU charges. It starts with hiring a criminal defense attorney to help you deal with the situation and move forward. The legal professional will ensure you can make informed decisions to achieve the desired results
