Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, and it’s common for people to make mistakes under pressure. However, these missteps after a DUI arrest can make things worse for them and have long-term consequences.
Getting an attorney to save yourself is the best bet in such cases, but maintaining caution after an arrest can often prevent unpleasant consequences.
“When possible, an attorney acting on your behalf in the courtroom lets you continue showing up to work and earning a living. It also gives you confidence knowing you have someone on your side doing the heavy lifting for your case,” says Attorney Aaron Black, a DUI lawyer serving Phoenix.
But before you reach that point, let’s see a few common mistakes people make after a DUI arrest and how to prevent them if you face similar situations.
Panicking and Resisting Arrest
Panicking is very common during accidents, but it comes with its own repercussions. After panicking, the person usually resists arrests, which makes things worse for them. Uncooperative behavior could escalate the situation and add more charges.
If you find yourself in such circumstances, try to stay calm. Take deep breaths and control yourself. Cooperate with the officers if you don’t want to worsen the situation.
Not Understanding Your Rights
Not understanding your rights during a DUI stop can make the situation worse for you. You can choose to remain silent during the arrest to prevent self-incrimination. Many cops perform a sobriety test to determine your condition. It’s not mandatory in many states, and knowing this can help you avoid unnecessary hassle. However, you can’t reject a breathalyzer test if an officer asks.
Research and learn your rights so that you can stay calm and refuse any if they can land you in further trouble.
Failing to Request a Lawyer
Self-incrimination risk is very high after a DUI arrest, which is why you should have legal representation before you speak to the officers. Many people forget that and cause unnecessary trouble for themselves. After a DUI arrest, immediately request a lawyer and don’t talk to the officers without them. A lawyer can assess the situation and speak on your behalf. They know legal tactics and loopholes and can smoothly bring you out of serious trouble.
Admitting Fault or Talking Too Much
It’s not unusual for people to be in a state of panic after a DUI arrest, and many of them speak too much or overshare details. Now, why is that important? Well, this additional information can be self-incriminating, and the officers can use it against you in court. Some people also admit their fault while talking too much. Try to stay calm and only answer questions with the basics. Only speak up after discussing the situation with your attorney.
Refusing Chemical Tests
Sometimes, officers require you to take blood, breath, or urine tests to determine the level of intoxication. Refusing them is punishable by law in some states, and your license can be revoked immediately. So, cooperate with the officers and take the tests if required. Only refuse them if the state laws say that you can.
Missing Court Dates
Many people don’t take DUI charges seriously and tend to forget dates for court appearances. It might seem insignificant but missing a court date can result in an arrest warrant and additional charges. It can make the situation much worse for you. Make sure to note down all important dates related to the case and make appearances as required. Keep all your paperwork safe.
Failing to Hire a DUI Lawyer
Many don’t take DUI charges seriously and attempt to tackle it on their own. The general public doesn’t understand legal loopholes and tactics and can self-incriminate themselves. They can also get into serious trouble and collect jail time, fines, or other long-term consequences. So, it’s better to find legal representation before getting into the legal battle.
Ignoring the Charges
You won’t believe it, but many people avoid the issue altogether and want to wait it out. But DUI charges are real and can land you into more trouble if you don’t take it seriously. Ignoring the issue can increase your fines, suspend your license, or even lead to jail time. Keep track of your dates, hire an attorney, and pay attention to where the case is going. With the right steps, the issue will be resolved soon.
Driving with a Suspended License
Depending on how you tackle the situation, your license can get suspended after a DUI arrest. In such circumstances, the worst thing you can do is to drive with that revoked license. Please note that it can result in harsher penalties and even jail time. Wait until the case is over before you hit the roads again.
Not Seeking Rehabilitation or Counseling
The judge might ask you to get into rehab or counseling if you have a problem with alcohol or have recurring DUI charges. Not following the orders can earn you a bad reputation and impact your case negatively in court. On the other hand, attending rehab shows that you took the matter seriously and did everything to improve your situation. It can help you move beyond this case faster.
Understanding the common mistakes people make after a DUI arrest can help you avoid them. Stay calm during the arrest, seek legal representation, and arrive at court on time. By following these simple steps, you should walk out of the issue without much of a hassle. Finding a DUI lawyer is just as easy as finding a personal injury lawyer, so research well to land an attorney who can provide you with the best representation.