If you are ever arrested for drunk driving, it is important to know what to do to protect your legal rights. There are certain things that you must do to ensure that your case is handled as efficiently and effectively as possible. This blog post will discuss four legal tips that everyone should remember if they are arrested for drunk driving.
Get a lawyer
One of the first things that you should do if you are arrested for drunk driving is to get a lawyer. A lawyer will be able to help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for free or low-cost legal assistance. More often than not, those convicted of drunk driving are the ones who try to represent themselves in court. This is not a good idea, as the legal system is complex and you are likely to make mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Refuse to answer questions without a lawyer present
When you are arrested for drunk driving, the police will likely ask you questions about what happened. You mustn’t answer these questions without a lawyer present. Anything that you say to the police can be used against you in court. If you have a lawyer present, they will be able to advise you on how to answer the police’s questions. For instance, you may be asked to take a breathalyzer test. You have the right to refuse this test, but you should do so politely and respectfully. In addition to refusing to answer questions without a lawyer present, you should also avoid making any statements about your case.
Do not take a plea deal without consulting a lawyer
If the prosecutor offers you a plea deal, you mustn’t accept it without consulting a lawyer. A plea deal is a way for the prosecutor to get a conviction without having to go to trial. This may seem like a good idea, but it could have long-term consequences that you are not aware of. Often, plea deals are not in the best interests of the defendant. A lawyer will be able to advise you on whether or not a plea deal is in your best interests.
Additionally, if you are released on bail, you must show up for all of your court dates. If you fail to do so, you could be arrested and jailed. This is why it is so important to have a lawyer who can help you keep track of all of your court appearances. In case you are unable to make it to a court appearance, your lawyer may be able to have your case rescheduled.
Be prepared for your day in court
If you go to trial, you must be prepared for your day in court. This means having all of the necessary documentation and evidence to present to the judge or jury. Some of the documents that you may need include medical records, police reports, and witness statements. These will also serve as pieces of evidence that will help to prove your innocence.
Being prepared also means being ready to testify about what happened. In this case, you have to coordinate with your lawyer about the things that you will say in court. For example, if you plan on testifying that you only had a few drinks, your lawyer may advise you not to mention this in court. This is because it could be used against you and make it seem like you are guilty. If you are not prepared, it is likely that you will not be able to effectively defend yourself, which could result in a conviction.
In conclusion, these are just four of the many legal tips that you should remember if you are ever arrested for drunk driving. If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to seek out professional help as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer will be able to guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Keep in mind that drunk driving is a serious offense with severe penalties. If you are convicted of drunk driving, you could face jail time, a loss of your driver’s license, and steep fines. In some states, you may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. This device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. If you are facing drunk driving charges, it is important to take them seriously and follow the tips above to protect your legal rights.