If you have been charged with a DUI, then you might be panicking. After all, such accusations can be quite damaging to your reputation and future job prospects. However, it is important that you maintain a level head and approach the situation calmly.
Getting Pulled Over
As soon as you are pulled over by a police officer, you will want to comply with any of the officer's commands. He may ask you to take a breathalyzer test. You might be inclined to refuse to take the test, but this is not recommended. If you refuse to take the test, you may face serious legal consequences and the judge may not look favorably on your case. Remember to take note of the entire arrest process.
Based on the results of the breathalyzer or the judgment of the officer, you may be arrested and brought to the police station. It is absolutely critical that you are calm and compliant, since this can reduce or even eliminate the charges against you. Being belligerent can substantially increase the charges against you and will further paint you as a criminal.
At The Station
Once you are at the station, you should ask for a lawyer. If you do not have the contact information of a lawyer, like R. Patrick McPherson Attorney At Law, you should immediately find a DUI defense lawyer. If you cannot do this personally, then you should ask a family member or close friend to do so for you. Since this can be difficult to do from the police station, it is in your best interest to acquire the contact information of a criminal defense lawyer as insurance for the future before being accused of any crime. Having the contact information of a good criminal defense lawyer is entirely free and can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
Once your lawyer has arrived, you can consult them about the charges. They will ask you to recite any details that you can remember from the incident, which will then be used to recreate a timeline of the arrest. They will explain how the accusations will proceed and what the chances are of you being convicted.
Life After A DUI
If you are convicted of a DUI, then you will experience some permanent repercussions. It will be on your record, but it is not the end of the world. Many individuals with DUIs can still find employment, and so can you.
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