5 Mistakes to Avoid After a DUI Arrest

Arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) may result in a jail term, fines, community service, license suspension, or installation of an ignition interlock device in your car. For the first offense DUI, minimum penalties usually increase if your blood alcohol concentration is high or you get into an accident and injure someone. However, the penalties vary depending on the state you reside in.

Knowing what not to do after a DUI arrest can potentially conserve your interests and lessen your charges. This article discusses the mistakes to avoid after a DUI arrest.

1. Hiring the wrong DUI attorney

While you may need a lawyer as soon as possible, hiring one without researching may result in you committing to the wrong one,aggravating your charges. Experienced DUI lawyers have the knowledge and skills, including challenging breath tests, police procedures, and blood tests, to prevent or lessen your jail term, work out a plea bargain, fight to reduce your charges, and keep your driving license.

Lawyers are usually busy with heavy caseloads, and hiring one who isn't fully committed to your case may jeopardize your chances with the law. Hire a DUI attorney devoted to getting you the best results from a reputable firm such as Riccio Law.

2. Refusing to take a breathalyzer test

Refusing to take a sobriety test thinking that the police won't have evidence to prove that you were driving under the influence only aggravates your charges. When taking your driver's license, you consented to specific regulations called implied consent laws, which require motorists legally arrested for drunk driving to agree to a test to determine the blood alcohol concentration level.

Refusal to undergo the sobriety test may result in license suspension and higher penalties and fines. Your refusal to agree to the test may be deemed guilt admission and can be used against you in a court of law.

3. Accepting your breathalyzer test results

While breathalyzer test results can be used in court as evidence of drunken driving, some might not be accepted due to the devices' inherent flaws. The breathalyzer machine can fail, giving false, inaccurate results. These machines respond to temperatures, meaning inaccuracies may arise where the calibration doesn't regulate ambient temperatures.

In some instances, breathing patterns also impact test results validity. Holding your breath may result in higher BAC levels, while deep breaths may reduce or increase your BAC levels. Your lawyer can consider establishing reasonable doubt in your DUI case thanks to these concerns.

4. Talking to the police without your attorney

After a DUI arrest, avoid talking to the police even if you have evidence proving your innocence or an alibi because they might assume the proof is fake, or you're lying. Be sure to speak to the police only in the presence of your attorney. If you have information that can help alleviate your charges, share it with your attorney to determine how best to use it.

5. Failure to consult an experienced DUI lawyer

Failure to consult an attorney after a DUI arrest may cause you to make mistakes that can strengthen the charges against you. Since most attorneys offer free consultation, talking to them after your DUI arrest can help you know what you should or shouldn't do as you wait for them to arrive.

Endnote

DUI cases can be very complicated, but avoiding these mistakes after an arrest can help prevent or reduce your charges.

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