Don't Take Chances With A DUI: 4 Mistakes That Can Jeopardize Your Case
If you've been arrested, and charged with a DUI, the last thing you want to do is take it lightly. A DUI conviction can stay on your record for many years. It can jeopardize your driving privileges, and your employment. It is crucial that you contact an attorney, like one from The Law Offices of Schiro and Zarzynski, as soon as possible to help you with your case. In addition to hiring an experienced attorney avoid these four mistakes that can jeopardize your case.
Talking to the Police Without an Attorney
Once you've been arrested, you need to remember that you have the right to remain silent. To protect yourself, and avoid further problems, you should exercise that right. Now that you've been arrested, don't talk to the police unless you have your attorney with you. In fact, you shouldn't talk to the police until you've had the opportunity to meet with your attorney first. Your attorney will be able to help you understand your rights, and will also help you avoid answering questions in a way that could come back to haunt you later.
Giving Up Without a Fight
If you've been arrested because you failed your field sobriety test, and your BAC came back above the legal limit, you may think that the best thing you can do is plead guilty to the charges. That's actually the worst thing you could do. You may have failed both the field sobriety test, and the BAC, but that doesn't mean you'll be convicted once it goes to court. Your attorney may be able to get one, or both of those tests removed from evidence, especially if they can prove that the tests weren't administered properly. Never plead guilty to a DUI until you've had the opportunity to discuss it with your attorney.
Thinking All DUI Cases are the Same
You might know someone who's been arrested, and charged with a DUI. In fact, you might know several people who have gone through this before. That doesn't mean that your case will proceed the same as theirs did. It's important to remember that all DUI cases are different, which means they'll all have different outcomes, including yours. The best information, and advice, you can receive about your DUI, will come directly from your attorney.
Not Telling Your Attorney Everything
Your attorney can only defend you based upon the information you provide them with. Unfortunately, that means if you aren't completely honest with them, they may not be able to provide you with the best defense. When you meet with your attorney, it's important that you tell them everything about the incident, and the events leading up to your arrest. It's particularly important that you let them know about any evidence that might be able to be used against you, such as photos taken of you drinking, or receipts for alcohol that you might have purchased right before your arrest. If the prosecution discovers this evidence, it can be used against you. It's better for your attorney to know about it in advance, instead of finding out in the courtroom during the trial.