If you have been charged with a DUI offense, you need to take it seriously from the start. Although the charge varies by state, you are dealing with a serious criminal offense that has the potential of landing you in jail or prison and remaining a blot on your permanent criminal record forever.
What follows are 5 things you shouldn’t do when charged with a DUI offense:
1. Don’t forego a DUI attorney.
You absolutely need an experienced DUI attorney to help you get through this as unscathed as possible. Don’t listen to the advice of your buddy who has had 10 DUIs and thinks he knows everything about DUI law; a lawyer will be much more likely to expose any deficiencies in the case against you and may even get the charges dropped.
2. Don’t skimp on a DUI attorney.
This isn’t the place to save money as you are facing serious criminal charges, so get the best lawyer you can reasonably afford.
3. Don’t talk more than you have to.
Remember that you always have a right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from police officers and other law enforcement officials; if you choose to talk throughout the investigation, don’t give more information than they’re asking for.
4. Don’t disrespect the court.
Things like skipping hearings or failing to cooperate with court-mandated alcohol or drug testing will not make you a sympathetic defendant to the judge. Follow the rules, show up on time, and generally play nice; your case will go much more smoothly if you should respect for the court and the judicial system.
5. Don’t think an out-of-state DUI will slip through the cracks.
If you’ve been arrested for a DUI out of your home state because you were on vacation or business at the time, don’t think the charge is just going to disappear when you go back home. It won’t, and you could even be extradited back to the state in which you were arrested to answer for the charge.
As always, consult an experienced DUI attorney for advice regarding your specific situation.