Dui has serious consequences, including serving prison time and paying hefty fines. During the process, most people make mistakes that make the punishment even harsher than it should be. To be successful in any DUI case, you need to understand the laws of your state regarding DUI to know your rights as a driver and what to expect. If you stay in Bellevue, you need to understand that DUI charges don’t just go away like a ticket, and they might reflect in future in case you are arrested for the same. You must hire an experienced DUI attorney in Bellevue to represent you in court and protect your rights. In this blog, we will outline the common mistakes to avoid when you have been stopped for DUI.
- Failure to Have a Defense
When you are stopped by police for DUI, most people think it’s a minor offence, and they will be left alone. This might accelerate significantly if you are intoxicated, in cuffs, and taken to the police station. This can increase the expense of towing your car. You can get your case reduced or even dropped when you engage your lawyer. Even if you hire a lawyer, ensure you don’t relinquish your rights since you can self-incriminate.
- Refusing A Breathalyzer Test
The law in different states requires drivers to consent to a breathalyzer test or Alcotest that a police officer often conducts. If you refuse to comply with the police, you might be charged with a separate criminal offence and an additional DUI charge. In addition, the refusal can lead to suspension of your driving license and insurance surcharges even if you are acquitted of DWI.
- Accepting The Results of Your Breathalyzer Test
One of the major mistakes that most people make is just accepting the breathalyzer result. If a passenger vehicle driver has a BAC of 0.08 or more, they will have violated the DWI statute. However, just because the breathalyzer machine has a BAC of 0.08, it doesn’t mean you should accept the result. Instead, you need to engage your lawyer for confirmation and to factor out other things that might affect the readability of the machine. The lawyer will raise these factors in your defence which might help reduce your sentence and further punishment.
- Hiring the Wrong Attorney
When you are charged with DUI, you need an experienced lawyer who understands the laws governing such cases. Most people feel the urgency of getting a lawyer but get the wrong one. There are a lot of qualities you need to check when hiring a lawyer. Some qualities include experience, checking the reviews and ensuring that the lawyer specialises in DUI cases.
Summary
The above mistakes are often common with people Arrested for DUI. It’s crucial to ensure that you hire the right attorney to guide you on the steps to take to get an advantage in court. It’s also essential to excise your right to remain silent, lest you incriminate yourself.