All posts tagged what to do on DUI

It is rarely a good thing to be pulled over by the police. If you have been drinking and driving at the time of a traffic stop, you could be charged with a serious crime. What you do when you are pulled over could determine what you are charged with and how many mandatory penalties you may face.

Consent to Breath Tests

Failing to consent to a breath test typically results in a one year license suspension no matter what happens next. Therefore, it is in your best interest to take the test even if you don’t think that you will like the result. Your attorney may be able to convince a judge or jury to disregard it during the legal process. However, it is within your rights to refuse taking a breath test.

Don’t Try to Flee or Become Combative with the Officer

One of the dumbest things you can do is flee from the police. They will chase you and they will catch you. Don’t give them an attitude either. Yes, you may be in some trouble, especially if you have been drinking and driving. Therefore, it will not help you in the slightest bit to give the police officer any kind of attitude.  The bottom line is, if you try to flee the scene or give the officer any kind of attitude this will likely result in additional charges that could be harder to get rid of in a plea bargain. Depending on your criminal past, those charges could trigger additional mandatory jail time or other penalties. So be cooperative and don’t do anything stupid like trying to run away.

Bring up Any Conditions You May Have

A medical condition could make it difficult to walk, could cause you to slur your words or could cause your eyes to twitch uncontrollably. This could also be mistaken as signs that you are drunk or impaired. If you have a medical condition that could mimic signs of alcohol or drug impairment, tell the officer right away. This will make your experience with that police officer go over much smoother than letting them assume that you are impaired. Even if you are taken into custody, your attorney can use this information to your advantage later on.

Call an Attorney Immediately

As soon as you get the chance to do so, you should call an attorney like someone from the Law Offices of J Lee Webb who can provide DUI help in Athens. You will want a DUI attorney because he or she will have specialized knowledge of the subject, which could come in handy during your case. In addition to contacting an attorney, you will want to contact a bail bondsmen if you are eligible for bail.

If you have been pulled over on suspicion of DUI, it doesn’t mean that you are guilty of driving while under the influence. Therefore, your best option is to cooperate and call an attorney as soon as possible. With the help of legal counsel, you may be able to have the charge reduced or dismissed.