Three Mistakes To Avoid So A DUI Attorney Can Better Defend You
If you are pulled over on a suspicion of driving while intoxicated, there are many things that you can do that will make it more difficult for an attorney to defend you in a court of law. The following is only a partial list of things to avoid, so your attorney will have the best chance of defending you successfully.
Driving with an open container of alcohol
Even if you have had only a drink or two with a meal and believe you are under the legal limit for blood alcohol, an open container will hurt your cause. Naturally, you should never drink and drive, but if you are not intoxicated and have a drink in your hand, throw it away before driving. And do not simply pour it out. Even if the container is empty, it can make it difficult for your attorney to exploit any mistakes the officer may have made when pulling you over for suspicion of DUI.
Taking a field sobriety test
In most states, you are not required to take a field sobriety test, and doing so will not help your attorney after your arrest. Many officers have already decided on whether you are intoxicated before they ask you to do these tests, so you will only be confirming their their bias toward you by complying. If you have not had anything to drink and don't think you can pass these exercises due to mobility issues, you can tell the officer this. If the police officer insists that you try, you will not be helping your cause. Once you are arrested, your alcohol level will be measured at the police station, and this is the information the prosecutor will use against you.
Not remaining silent after you are arrested
This is perhaps the biggest problem that attorneys have with their clients. All too often, people will talk after an arrest, but there is no advantage to doing this. Nothing you say is going to help you. This is especially true if you are arrested under suspicion of a DUI after an accident. Anything you say at this point can hurt your attorney's efforts to defend you. Any comments or questions you have after your arrest, you need to save for your DUI attorney.
Any time you drink and drive, even if you believe you are below the legal blood alcohol limit, you are taking a risk. And it is entirely possible you could be pulled over for suspected DUI. You can even be arrested when you are not intoxicated. Whatever your circumstances may be, do not compound the problem by making the mistakes listed above.
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