Getting pulled over for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is one of the things any driver could experience. Avoid the common mistakes we will highlight as you read in this situation.
This is important because a conviction for DUI will never go away. You cannot hide these convictions from your employer or government agencies; your record and driving history will reflect it.
That is why tackling a DUI before it becomes a conviction is paramount.
Common mistakes to avoid
Below are some mistakes you should avoid when stopped for DUI;
1. Resisting test
The law in most areas permits the police to test anyone pulled over or arrested for DUI. Do not try to resist the breathalyzer test (well known as Alcotest), even when you haven’t taken any alcohol.
Resisting getting tested can get you charged for a separate criminal offense of refusal, which can get your driver’s license suspended with fines. Your insurance surcharges will increase in such a case, even when not convicted of DUI.
2. Not hiring a lawyer
Although it may appear cheaper, representing yourself without hiring any reputable DUI drug attorneys can cause serious damage, and this is the same for pleading guilty without fighting to get the case dismissed. As earlier noted, a conviction for DUI should be avoided at all costs.
You’re mistaken if you think the judge might pity you if you present the defense yourself. Judges expect people charged with an offense to know the law and argue why they should be acquitted based on the law.
According to the Law Office of Scott C. Thomas, a DUI defense attorney near Orange County, California, hiring a competent lawyer can boost your chance of being acquitted. Your lawyer will also prevent you from making any mistake that could complicate the case.
Reaching out to a lawyer on time will likely help you get the experience documented while the incident is still fresh in your memory before you forget some details.
3. Bargaining with a state attorney
People without an attorney are more likely to make this mistake. The State Attorney will typically present you with an offer with convincing words claiming it is the best you can get for your case.
The attorney might also warn you that you may get something worse if you proceed with an MVA hearing.
Here is the truth, State Attorneys usually have lots of cases to handle, so they would want to find a way to get rid of your case with the least amount of work done.
Also, to enhance their record, the offer they would present to you will likely not be favorable but an excellent win.
Accepting such an offer waives your right to a judge or jury trial, which could have cleared you of all the charges against you.
4. Absence from court
Intentionally not appearing in court on the scheduled date of your hearing does not make the court throw out the case or make the state forget about your alleged offense.
The court has the power to issue a warrant of arrest if you fail to appear, which could add to your criminal charges.
5. Driving after license suspension
If charged with DUI, your license is at risk of being revoked. Should this happen, resist the temptation of driving during this time.
Likewise, you should not drink and drive while awaiting trial on a pending charge. Multiple DUI charges can significantly influence the severity of your sentence.
Things to consider before hiring a DUI lawyer
Hiring a DUI lawyer is essential for your case. Choosing a competent one can have the most beneficial outcome for you. Below are some things to consider;
Qualification and experience
Confirm the licenses and certification of your attorney. This can be done by simply requesting evidence of the claimed qualification.
Make sure the hiring lawyer has enough experience handling cases like yours.
Attorney-client relationship/communication
Law firms allow consultation sessions where you can evaluate the kind of relationship that would be built during the case. If you seem not to trust the lawyer, get another.
The lawyer must also have a reachable communication method.
Past clients’ reviews
Check the reviews of the local law firm you are considering to get a good feel of the kind of service to expect from them. Many law firms now have a testimonial section on their website.
Request a list of references or a summary of past clients’ cases for firms without one on their website. With this, you would be able to check related cases and the court verdict at the end of the day.
This can help predict how they would handle your case and the kind of judgment you should expect to get.
