Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious concern, and it can land you in deeper trouble than you imagine. Think beyond warnings and fines for drinking and driving because you may have to encounter much more. You may face criminal charges, heavy penalties, license revocation, and future employment issues. You may even have to serve jail time. It is better to avoid these charges in the first place. Even if you get into a fix, knowing your options can help you mitigate the dire consequences of DUI. But most drivers face these DUI consequences and even more due to a lack of awareness. Here is a list of best DUI recommendations from seasoned attorneys to help drivers stay on the right side of the law.
Play it safe
The best piece of advice is to play it safe every time you are behind the wheel. Be extra conscious when you plan to party and drive back home. Having a safe way to get home should be a priority. You may hire a cab, have a designated driver, or do your drinking at home. A more responsible approach can save you from having a DUI conviction on your record. But most drivers fail to do it and end up in legal trouble despite being law-abiding citizens. Plan beforehand and commit to sticking with the approach so that you have fun without worrying about the consequences.
Act sensibly
Experts recommend acting sensibly if you get pulled over. When an officer stops you at odd hours, there are chances they believe you are driving under the influence. They may simply stop to determine the signs of drinking. The red flags officers look for include a telltale odor, flushed face, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech. Besides noticing these signs, the officer may ask some questions. While you must cooperate in such situations, make sure you do not let your guard down. It is better to remain silent because admitting to drinking can have a negative impact on the legal outcome.
Do not take Field Sobriety Tests
The validity of drinking tests vary from state to state. Drivers are not legally required to do Field Sobriety Tests or Portable Breath Tests for many states, so you can avoid them. You have to provide your license, registration, and insurance proof if the officer asks for them. But they cannot force you to take the sobriety tests, even though they want it to consolidate their side of the story. Not doing the test is crucial for DUI defense because the officer can use it as evidence later. They may arrest you, but you can avoid giving them evidence by refusing to test.
Seek legal assistance
You have the right to an attorney when apprehended for DUI or any other offense. Ensure to utilize it and seek DUI lawyer legal services after your arrest. Do not expect the officers to state your Miranda Rights. Knowing that you have the right to remain silent and speak with an attorney puts you in a better place with a DUI defense. If the officers fail to let you use this right and it is proved in court, the case may even get dismissed. According to the Right to Counsel, you can have a private conversation with your attorney on phone. You can talk to the lawyer before taking a breath, blood, or urine test.
Write your version of the story
When you are arrested for DUI, the officers will write police reports to recollect and retain information about the incident. It enables them to detail facts when they testify at trial. But you must note down your version of the story so that you can present credible facts in court. These cases can take several months and occasionally years to close. Having clear facts enables you to be consistent with your statements. They also serve as a valuable piece of evidence for your lawyer. The attorney can create the entire defense strategy around your story. Have written details of the incident at hand. You may even save your skin with your version of the truth.
DUI offense can cause a major legal hassle for any driver, so it is best to steer clear of the situation in the first place. But you must be aware of a viable defense strategy if you happen to encounter it at some point on the road. Follow these recommendations, and there are good chances of coming out clean. Everything boils down to finding a DUI specialist attorney you can rely on.
