Regardless of how many times you’ve seen it on TV or in the movies, or listened to a friend recount their story of what happened that one time they got pulled over for DUI, until it happens to you it is hard to know what to expect. And, for most of us, knowing what to expect in a frightening situation makes it easier to react appropriately and can make the experience less scary. In the case of a DUI it is common to expect that you will be asked to take a breath test, and if you blow over the legal limit you will probably be arrested for DUI. But, there are some other important things you should know about a DUI case, and they can help you to prepare a solid defense and avoid a repeat performance in the future.
Here are five things to expect when being charged with DUI:
- Things you say can be taken as an admission that you have been drinking, and that you have been drinking too much. In order to avoid the police being able to use your words against you, politely decline to answer.
- You will be asked to take a breath test, which you can refuse. A word of caution on refusing the test though, the refusal can be used against you also. However, refusing to submit to a breath test under the right circumstances can also mean the difference between an unfavorable result and a favorable one.
- The police will ask you if you want a public defender assigned to your case. While it may be tempting to forego the expense of a private attorney, your future depends on it! Private attorneys are able to devote more time to your case, and give you the individualized attention you deserve.
- Use your phone call wisely! The best choice is to call someone who can help get you out of jail. From there you will have the ability to make as many calls as you need to get the help necessary to defend the charges.
- Your license will be taken away from you. This can be the most frustrating part for a lot of people, because driving is a necessity of life. You can request a review of the revocation, but only if you do so within a specified time period after the arrest.
Even when you are armed with the knowledge of what to expect, actually experiencing it is a different story. We understand the anxiety that is created by being charged with DUI and the possibility of losing your license. That is why we work with you to determine which specific facts of your case are beneficial to you, and then develop a defense that is tailored to those facts. For more information about what to expect if you are charged with a DUI, and how to best defend the case, call our office.
For more information about DUI cases, call an experienced defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast. We work with you to tailor a defense that fits the specific facts of your case. We offer an initial consultation for no charge, and look forward to helping you resolve your case in a satisfactory way.