Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol comes with severe penalties if someone is convicted. Once someone is suspected of a DUI, they can be placed under arrest. At this point, it’s crucial to know exactly what to do to avoid making the situation a lot worse. If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, use the following tips to help get a better result for your situation.
Stop Talking Immediately and Avoid Discussing the Situation
If a driver is pulled over by the police and they are told they’re under suspicion of a DUI, they should stop talking immediately. It is necessary for them to provide the officer with information such as their name and date of birth to verify their identity. However, no one under arrest should say anything further to the officers or try to talk their way out of the charges without speaking with a DUI attorney. Anything that is said can be used against them in court.
Request Legal Assistance
The next step is to request legal assistance as soon as possible. Current laws state that anyone who refuses the breath test can receive an automatic driver’s license suspension, even if no charges are filed against them. By speaking with an attorney quickly, the accused can prevent mistakes that could worsen the situation. The attorney can help them know what to say and do to handle the situation carefully and prevent potential complications.
Look Into Your Options and Defenses
Once the accused has a lawyer, they can start to learn about their options and defenses. Those who are convicted of a DUI face up to $700 in fines, 180 days in jail, 360 hours of community service, a license suspension, and other penalties depending on their blood alcohol level and other factors. With a lawyer to help, it may be possible to plead guilty to lesser charges for reduced penalties or avoid a conviction completely.
Work Closely With the Lawyer
It is vital the accused works closely with their lawyer and does everything requested by the attorney to avoid any mistakes and to work toward a better outcome for the situation. The attorney is familiar with the local courts, the judges, and the prosecution, so they can tell the accused exactly what to do to try to get a better outcome. They can also answer any questions the accused may have and ensure everything is done properly to prevent complications in the case.
If you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, make sure you are careful about what you say and do from there. Speak with a lawyer as soon as possible to get the help you need to minimize this situation’s impact on your future. While it’s not possible for everyone to avoid a conviction, the lawyer will work hard to get you a better outcome for the case. Schedule a consultation with a lawyer now to learn more about how they can help with your case.
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