Arrested For Drunk Driving? Take These Steps Immediately

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, the best thing you can do right now is to remain calm and take the following steps. By remaining levelheaded and following these simple instructions, you will be in a much better position to protect your rights and navigate the complex legal process that follows. Let’s discover what to do if you are arrested for drunk driving.

Do Not Answer Any Questions Without An Attorney Present

When you are pulled over on suspicion of drunk driving, the police officer will likely ask you a series of questions. Even if you are completely innocent, you mustn’t answer any questions without an attorney present. The police officer may be trying to trip you up or get you to say something that can be used against you in court. By remaining silent, you are protecting your rights and ensuring that you have a fair chance in court. If you were arrested in Florida, saying anything without an expert Tampa DUI lawyer can get you in trouble. So, make sure to immediately request a lawyer.

Immediately Request A Lawyer

You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, so use them. DUI cases are very complex, and you will need an expert on your side to help you navigate the legal process. Many people try to represent themselves in court, but this is almost always a bad idea. If you want any chance of winning your case or reducing the penalties, you need to have a lawyer by your side.

Follow Your Attorney’s Advice

Once you have hired an attorney, you must follow their advice. They are the experts in this situation, and they will know what is best for your case. In many cases, your attorney will advise you to take a certain approach in court or to avoid talking to the police. Regardless of what their advice is, make sure that you follow it to the letter.

The Judicial Process For A DUI

If you are arrested for drunk driving, you will have to go through the judicial process. This process can be complicated and confusing, so it’s important to have an attorney by your side. The first step in the process is the arraignment, where you will be formally charged with a crime. After the arraignment, there will be a pretrial hearing, where your attorney will try to get the charges against you dropped. If the charges aren’t dropped, your case will go to trial. At trial, a jury will decide whether or not you are guilty of drunk driving. If you are found guilty, you will be sentenced accordingly.

Be Polite To The Judge

If you are taken to court for your drunk driving charge, you must be polite to the judge. The judge has a lot of power in your case, and being rude or disrespectful will only work against you. Instead, be polite and respectful at all times. This doesn’t mean that you should try to kiss up the judge, but you should avoid making any negative comments or gestures. For example, if the judge asks you a question, make sure to answer clearly and concisely.

Prepare For The Worst

Although it is possible to win your drunk driving case, you should always prepare for the worst. This means that you should be prepared to face the maximum penalties for your charge. In many cases, this includes jail time, a loss of your driver’s license, and high fines. If you are facing any of these penalties, it is important to have a plan in place. This may include finding a new job or making arrangements for your family.

  • Jail Time: This is the most serious penalty that you can face for a drunk driving charge. In many cases, you will be sentenced to a minimum of 48 hours in jail. However, if you have a previous drunk driving conviction or if there was an accident, you may be facing a much longer sentence.
  • Loss of Driver’s License: If you are convicted of drunk driving, you will automatically lose your driver’s license. In some cases, you may be able to get your license back after a certain period. However, this is not always the case.
  • High Fines: You will also be facing high fines if you are convicted of drunk driving. The amount of the fine will depend on the severity of your charge and your state’s laws. However, you can expect to pay at least a few thousand dollars.

These are just a few of the penalties that you may be facing if you are convicted of drunk driving. As you can see, it is important to take your charge seriously and to hire an experienced attorney.

Avoid Pleading Guilty

Many people assume that pleading guilty is their best option, but this is rarely the case. If you plead guilty, you will be automatically convicted and will likely face harsh penalties. Instead of pleading guilty, you should enter a plea of not guilty and let your attorney handle the rest. By taking this approach, you may be able to get the charges against you reduced or even dismissed entirely. Additionally, if you go to trial, a not guilty plea gives your attorney a chance to build a strong defense and gives you the best chance of being found not guilty.

Avoid Drunk Driving In General

Of course, the best way to avoid drunk driving charges is to avoid drunk driving altogether. If you are going to be drinking, make sure that you have a designated driver. Additionally, there are many alternative transportation options available, such as Uber or Lyft. By avoiding drunk driving, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and hassle. Additionally, you will be keeping yourself and others safe on the roads.

 

Drunk driving is a serious offense with severe penalties. If you are facing a drunk driving charge, it is important to take immediate action. The steps above are just some of the things you should do if you are arrested for drunk driving. By remaining calm and following these simple instructions, you will be in a much better position to protect your rights and navigate the complex legal process that follows. If you have any questions about your case, make sure to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can advise you on how to proceed.