The potential penalties for driving under the influence are already severe, but the presence of…
4 Ways to Make Your DUI Case Go Smoother With a Better Resolution – Guest Post
Being arrested while driving under the influence can be humiliating. There is a lot of social stigma that can come from a DUI arrest. Still, even if you realize the seriousness of the situation, you should not allow that arrest to ruin your life. Below are four strategies for making a DUI case go smoother so you can reach a better resolution.
Don’t Make It Worse By Committing More Crimes
If you have been pulled over or forced to stop at a DUI checkpoint, you need to make sure you do not commit additional crimes. In most cases, you should comply with the officer. If you don’t, it could lead to more serious penalties even beyond what you would receive after being convicted of a DUI. Keep in mind that refusing to take a breathalyzer test or cooperating with other field sobriety tests may also be illegal and result in a charge as serious as the DUI. Only refuse a breathalyzer when you have a valid medical excuse to do so that you can prove in court.
Hire a DUI Lawyer
One of the first steps you should do after getting out of jail is hiring a DUI lawyer. Don’t hire just any lawyer. The lawyer who did your divorce is probably a poor choice. Instead, choose a lawyer that specializes specifically in DUI cases. That attorney will have a better understanding of the law and know the legal strategies that are likely to work in your jurisdiction. If you don’t get an acquittal, the lawyer will at least know how to maneuver towards the best possible outcome for you.
Go Over the Facts With Your Lawyer
You should be completely honest with your attorney. Try to remember as many details as you can to provide your lawyer with. Go over what happened exactly including how much you had to drink, how you were driving and what happened during the law enforcement interaction. There may be details that could save your case. For example, if the police officer did not provide you with a Miranda Warning, the case could be thrown out.
Cooperate With the Court
Always make sure to listen to court orders regarding the ramifications for your driving privileges such as using an ignition interlock device. While it may be annoying, getting in trouble for ignoring those orders will only make things worse. Make sure to always be on time for any of your court dates as well.
Just because you’ve been arrested for a DUI does not mean you will have to suffer a worst case scenario. You can make things smoother for yourself by not making any serious mistakes during the law enforcement interaction, hiring a talented DUI lawyer, sharing all your information with that lawyer, and cooperating with the court. With some effort, you’ll be able to get your life back in order again.