When facing a DUI charge, you need a DUI lawyer to help you get the best possible outcome.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that around 37 people in the U.S. die every day in drunk-driving collisions. That works out to one individual every 39 minutes.
You’ve undoubtedly heard that no one should drink and drive. If you’re at an event where you might have a drink or two, arrange for someone to give you a ride home. You can ask a family member or someone at the event who won’t drink, or call a cab or an Uber. There’s no excuse to get behind the wheel if you’re drunk — and the consequences if there’s an accident can be great.
But if, despite your best efforts, you find yourself at the center of a DUI case as the alleged perpetrator, you need a good DUI attorney. An experienced DUI attorney will give you the best chance of a good outcome. That’ll be easier if you avoid missteps that can hurt your cause.
Here are four errors that can derail a DUI case and make it harder for your lawyer to do their job.
1. Admitting Guilt
Acknowledging guilt is the last thing you should do when accused of a DUI. If you do so, you could back yourself into a corner that not even the best DUI attorneys can get you out of.
Even if your blood alcohol content level is too high, your lawyer could challenge the testing procedures. Procedural missteps occur. If police officers can make mistakes, that can invalidate blood testing results. So, while you should comply by identifying yourself, don’t admit guilt.
2. Taking Field Sobriety Tests (In States Where They’re Voluntary)
If you’re stopped by police on suspicion of a DUI and happen to be in a state where field sobriety tests are voluntary, politely refuse such tests. There’s no need to get belligerent. Remember that the police officers are merely doing their jobs. But if you’re in a state where field sobriety tests are voluntary, it’s best to decline the request. If in a state where such tests are mandatory, failing to comply with a lawful command could land you in jail and hurt your case.
You don’t have the legal right to speak to a lawyer before taking field sobriety tests or blowing into a breathalyzer. Ensure you know what the laws are in your state so you know what to do.
3. Failing to Take Your DUI Case Seriously
Yet another error you must avoid is not taking your DUI case seriously. If you have a cavalier or nonchalant attitude toward the charges, that could bite you in the rear end. Ignoring the DUI charges could result in jail time, costlier insurance premiums, loss of your driver’s license, and more. So, take your DUI case seriously. Hiring a reputable DUI lawyer is one way to do so. Furthermore, follow their advice.
4. Neglecting to Exercise Your Fifth Amendment Rights
Another travesty is failing to exercise your Fifth Amendment rights. You have the right to remain silent — after providing information to identify who you are. Avoid saying too much if the police ask questions. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. And if you share too much information, you could make matters more difficult for your DUI attorney.
No one wants to face a DUI charge — especially if they’re certain the charges won’t hold up in court. The best thing you can do is hire a lawyer to represent you and let the lawyer do their job.
Avoid mistakes that can make your lawyer’s job harder.
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