4 Things To Do If You Are Suspected of DUI
Drunk driving causes an alarming number of fatal accidents each day. As a result, driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most heinous crimes relating to driving. The law enforcement community continues to crack down on drunk driving because the activity is dangerous. A DUI stop can be harrowing for anyone, and perhaps even more so if you feel inebriated. It’s always possible for law enforcement to stop you for suspicion of being a drunk driver, even if you have never touched alcohol at that time.
A person charged with DUI is presumed innocent until proven guilty, just like any other criminal case. A drug lawyer is specialized to help you in this case.
You should remain calm if you’re stopped for DUI. Although many people are confused about what to do or react to during this situation, being relaxed should be an essential factor. Depending on your state of residence, if you’re found guilty after a trial, your penalty will depend on the laws of that state. License suspension, jail time, fines, and community service are some of the punishments for DUI arrest.
Following are some tips for what to do if you’re suspected of drunk driving:
- Respect The Authority
Disrespectful and rude behavior inevitably leads to the officer arresting you. Also, try not to act as if you have something to hide. Follow the directions from the police and greet them courteously when you open your window. Nasty behavior toward an officer can result in you facing obstruction of justice and resisting arrest charges.
Additionally, make sure you also present your driver’s license, the registration card for your car, and any other important documents that they may ask you to verify.
- Don’t Get Out Of Your Vehicle Unless Needed
You should pull to the side of the road and remain there until directions are given. Remember that when a police officer decides to pull you over for a DUI, they begin making observations. These will then be recorded in the police report. They will be noting everything they believe will prove you are impaired or driving drunk during the stop.
Your ability to pull over is one of the first things an officer will observe. Therefore, driving carefully is a must. You don’t want them to have the thought of you being drunk. You should not get out of your car unless requested. And when they require you to do so, be careful to avoid tripping or stumbling when getting out of your vehicle.
- Hire A Good Lawyer
Upon being arrested under these circumstances, you can expect a lengthy due process. In any legal matter, hiring a drug lawyer is always advisable. In addition, a lawyer must have both a solid track record and an equally solid amount of experience and competence. An experienced legal representative will defend your rights. You can also ask your attorney to handle the court hearing after you’ve been arrested, which must be done in the first ten days after being detained.
Furthermore, free initial consultations are offered by many attorneys. You will be able to ask any questions you may have in person when you meet with your attorney. Your DUI case can be dismissed on several grounds, all of which require an understanding of the relevant laws and legal precedents only lawyers can provide.
In addition, a knowledgeable attorney can thoroughly examine your case and determine what options are available for resolving the DUI charges against you. If the issue isn’t presented in court carefully, then there’s no chance of being discharged.
- Be Calm Always
You’ll need to know how to respond if you’ve been stopped for drunk driving. False-positive DUI breath test can happen in different circumstances. So, ensure that you won’t be caught in such a situation. If the officer asks you several questions, you may initially become nervous and uneasy. However, if you remain relaxed, then everything will go on smoothly. Knowing how to handle yourself is paramount for avoiding this situation.
The fact that your voice cracks and your hands start shaking may indicate you’re wasted, even if you’re not. So, when you speak to the officers, ensure that you respond quickly and have the ability to think clearly. If the officers ask you to answer any questions further, remain calm and say you would like to speak with your attorney. While staying cool and calm when arrested for DUI isn’t easy, it’s essential to remain relaxed.
Conclusion
Drinking under the influence charges can lead to lengthy prison sentences and can severely impact someone’s life. DUI convictions impact your driving record, driving license, employment, career opportunities, in addition to affecting your personal relationships. While many people take reasonable steps to avoid driving after drinking, when this situation arises, you must remain informed throughout the process so you can protect yourself, stay prepared, and handle the situation appropriately.
