Practical Legal Tips to Follow If You Were Caught Driving Under the Influence

If you’re one of the unlucky drivers who get pulled over and caught driving under the influence (DUI), then it’s important to know what you should do. You may be feeling scared, anxious, and confused, and that’s completely natural. However, you need to keep a clear head and remember these practical legal tips. This will help minimize the damage that a DUI can do to your life.

1. If you are arrested for DUI, remain silent and contact an attorney immediately

As soon as you are placed under arrest for DUI, you should exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You should also contact an experienced DUI attorney who can help you navigate the criminal justice system and protect your rights.

DUI arrests are serious business, and it is important to have a lawyer on your side. And if you don’t know any lawyers who could help you, don’t worry. If you are in Florida, for instance, you can easily find a Tampa-based CDL DUI lawyer, or a lawyer in any other place online. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible legal representation.

When it comes to DUI charges, there is a lot at stake. Your driver’s license could be suspended, you could face jail time, and you will likely have to pay hefty fines. If you are convicted of DUI, it will also go on your criminal record. That is why it is so important to have a good lawyer by your side who can help you avoid a conviction or get the charges against you reduced.

2. Do not consent to any searches of your person or property

When the police officer asks to search your car, politely decline. If the officer has probable cause to believe there is evidence of a crime in your car, he or she can search it without your consent. However, if the officer does not have probable cause, and you consent to the search, anything the officer finds can be used as evidence against you in court.

It is important to remember that you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If you are pulled over for DUI, the best thing to do is remain calm and polite and ask to speak to an attorney. Do not say anything that could be used against you in court, because anything you say can and will be used against you. In most states, you are required to submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol content (BAC).

3. Request a hearing to contest the administrative suspension of your driver’s license

Since your license will be automatically suspended if you refuse to take a chemical test or if you take the test and fail, you should request a hearing to contest the administrative suspension. At the hearing, an officer from the DMV will testify about the circumstances of your arrest and whether you refused to take a chemical test or took the test and failed. You or your attorney will have an opportunity to cross-examine the officer and present evidence. After hearing all of the evidence, the judge will decide whether to uphold or rescind the administrative suspension of your license.

If you are successful at the hearing, your license will not be suspended. However, if you lose at the hearing, your license will be suspended for a period of time. The length of the suspension will depend on whether you refused to take a chemical test or took the test and failed.

For example, if this is your first DUI offense, and you refused to take a chemical test, your license will be suspended for one year. If this is your first DUI offense, and you took the test and failed, your license will be suspended for six months.

If you have a prior DUI offense on your record, the penalties are more severe. For example, if this is your second DUI offense, and you refused to take a chemical test, your license will be suspended for two years. If this is your second DUI offense, and you took the test and failed, your license will be suspended for one year.

4. Get evaluated by an alcohol abuse counselor to determine if you need treatment

While it may not seem like it, many states will require that you complete an evaluation with an alcohol abuse counselor. This is to ensure that you are getting the help that you need and to also prove to the court system that you are taking responsibility for your actions. Also, treatment may be a requirement of your probation.

It’s important that you take this evaluation seriously and be honest with the counselor. They will be able to help you get into the right treatment program if needed. If you try to fake your way through the evaluation, it will only hurt you in the long run.

5. Cooperate with the prosecution and take responsibility for your actions

Once you have been arrested for DUI, it is important that you cooperate with the prosecution. This means that you should take responsibility for your actions and not try to blame anyone else for what happened. By taking responsibility for your actions, you will be more likely to get a lighter sentence.

It is also important to remember that you have the right to remain silent. If you are asked to take a breathalyzer test or participate in a field sobriety test, you have the right to refuse. However, if you do refuse, you may be subject to harsher penalties.

6. Don’t try to blame anyone else for your DUI arrest

One of the worst things you can do after a DUI arrest is to try and blame someone else for your actions. This will only make the situation worse and could result in additional charges being filed against you. Accept responsibility for your actions and take steps to ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

In the end, following these tips can help you immensely if you are caught driving under the influence. If you have any questions, be sure to consult with a lawyer before taking any legal action. Above all, remember to drive safely and always designate a sober driver ahead of time!