Being arrested for a suspected DUI can be a very stressful and traumatic experience. If you have never been arrested before or had any type of experience with the court system, you may not know what to expect. DUI is a serious charge, and it is important to do whatever you can to lessen its effect on your life. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes after a DUI. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid after a DUI.
Not Hiring an Attorney
Too many people make the mistake of not hiring an attorney after a DUI arrest. One of the first things that you should do after your arrest is immediately hire an experienced DUI attorney. Your attorney will be able to analyze all of the evidence in your case and build a defense for you prior to your court date. A good attorney can make a huge difference in your DUI case, so do what is best for yourself and hire a DUI attorney as quickly as possible.
Assuming That Your Case Can't Be Won
Many people think that if their breath test or blood test came back showing a blood alcohol content above the legal limit, they have no shot of winning their case. This is actually not the case because the state will have to prove that the breath test machine was properly calibrated, the blood was properly handled by the lab, and that the arresting officer followed the proper procedures. So don't automatically plead guilty and accept a plea bargain-- a good attorney may be able to fight the charges and help you avoid a conviction.
Failing to Appear in Court
A DUI arrest can lead to many court dates, and it is extremely important that you show up on time for all of them. Failure to appear in court when ordered can create many problems for you, and may result in an arrest warrant being issued. Make sure you know the date and time of all court appearances, and try to show up early so you have time to park, go through security, and find your assigned court room.
Driving on a Suspended License
In many states, drivers licenses are suspended at the time of a DUI arrest. Do not make the mistake of operating your vehicle if you have been informed that your license is suspended. Driving with a license that has been suspended can lead to very steep fines if you are pulled over, and it may also affect your DUI case when it goes to court.
For more information, talk to an attorney like Eric J. Engan Attorney At Law.
Share17 August 2016
Few things are more frustrating than being accused of a crime that you didn't commit. I found myself in this difficult situation a few years ago when I was with a friend who broke the law. However, I knew that I didn't do anything, which is why I hired an experienced criminal attorney to help me out. He carefully reviewed my case, talked with me about what court would be like, and helped me to wrap my head around the different punishments I might face. He helped to prove my innocence, and I decided to set up this blog to help other people to understand the importance of working with a professional.