If you have been charged with DUI, it may be the first time you were ever charged with a crime or had any experience with the criminal court system. You may not know what to expect or what step to take next. The first step is to avoid some of the common mistakes people make when facing DUI charges.
What NOT to Do in Your DUI Case
People charged with DUI often make mistakes—either inadvertently or through ignorance—that can make it harder for their attorneys to get them the best possible outcomes. Mistakes you want to avoid include:
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Not taking the charges seriously. Even after you complete your sentence, your DUI will remain on your criminal record. It could affect your insurance rates, employment, ability to obtain credit, and much more for many years after your conviction.
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Not retaining an experienced attorney. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who handles DUI cases and understands the current laws and successful defenses to your charges. Do not base your decision on who to hire by their fees. You want an experienced attorney and the cheapest one may not be experienced in DUI laws.
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Driving on a revoked license. If you have been charged with DUI, your license has most likely been suspended—making it illegal for you to drive. If you get caught driving, you face additional license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.
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Not exercising your Miranda rights. After the police give you your Miranda rights, you want to exercise your right to remain silent. Continuing to talk to the police may give them the opportunity to catch you in a lie or to find other evidence they could try to use against you.
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Failing to appear at court hearings. If you fail to attend required court hearings, the judge could issue a warrant for your arrest and revoke your bail.
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Talking to anyone but your attorney. You could get well-intentioned but bad advice from family and friends. In addition, anything you say could be used against you in your DUI case. Your friends and family could be forced to be unwilling witnesses against you.
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Accepting a plea bargain without talking to an attorney. Before accepting a plea agreement, you want to discuss it with an experienced attorney who can advise you if it is your best option.
If you are facing a DUI charge, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you build your defenses and strengthen your case. At Easley Law Firm, we will fight to obtain the best outcome possible for you. Fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
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