If your first call after a DUI charge isn’t to a criminal defense lawyer, you’re going about things the wrong way.
Some people make the mistake of thinking that such a charge isn’t overly serious. It’s important to remember, however, that it is a criminal offense. So, if you’re charged and convicted of a DUI, you will be a convicted criminal as far as the laws of the land are concerned.
That could impact your ability to find employment, rent an apartment, and more. Besides these issues, you might lose your driver’s license, face financial penalties, or even get locked up. So, it’s in your best interest to take DUI charges seriously and to act accordingly.
Here are three things to do if, despite your best efforts, you’re charged with a DUI offense.
1. Hire a DUI Lawyer
Retaining the services of a DUI lawyer is non-negotiable. With so much at stake, you need the advice, expertise, and representation of a legal professional with experience representing DUI clients.
After an arrest, the officers are supposed to advise you of your Miranda Rights. The U.S. Constitution gives you the right to remain silent and hire a lawyer before speaking to the police. Since whatever you tell them can be used against you in a court of law, caution is essential.
While you must identify yourself and show proof of insurance, you can and should tell the police that you want to exercise your right to remain silent and hire legal counsel. Once you invoke this right, the police must refrain from questioning you.
2. Respect Law Enforcement
It’s odd how many people facing arrest believe that being belligerent and disrespectful will somehow help their cause. Refusing to identify yourself or resisting arrest, especially if you use violence to do so, will make matters worse since you might face additional charges.
No one wants to get pulled over by the police, be placed in handcuffs, and be transported to a police station. But fighting tooth and nail to avoid arrest or giving police officers a hard time for doing their job will only make matters more difficult for you and your DUI lawyer.
Comply as far as the law demands, and contact a lawyer as soon as you’re granted the opportunity. If your lawyer finds that your rights were violated, they can use that information to build a strong case to get your charges dismissed or reduced. That’s one reason you need an experienced DUI lawyer with a strong track record of success.
3. Get Your Lawyer’s Go-Ahead Before Agreeing to Anything
One of the worst things you can do is hire a DUI lawyer and then act as though you don’t have one. If the police want to question you, it might be tempting to agree to do so alone. That’s especially true if you’re certain the charges are bogus and will be thrown out. But it’s never in your best interests to agree to a police interrogation without your DUI lawyer present. It’s one of the worst things you can ever do.
Ask your lawyer if it’s a good idea to speak to the police. If the answer is in the affirmative, your lawyer will attend the interrogation and advise you. When your legal representative believes you’ve answered enough questions, they will inform the police that the interrogation is over.
Your lawyer will ensure you don’t self-incriminate, which is easy to do if you’re not careful.
These are some things to do after being charged with a DUI. A lawyer will help you build a case and challenge the charges to get you the best possible outcome.