If you are arrested for driving while intoxicated, you don’t want your words or actions to make the situation worse. Here are five things you should never do when you’re arrested for a DUI.
- Argue With Police
The worst possible thing you can do is act and speak aggressively toward the police officers. Remain as calm and neutral as possible.
- Acknowledge That You’re Drunk
Do not provide evidence that you consciously decided to drive after consuming alcohol. A prosecutor can easily use your confession to charge you in court. Stay silent about your actions prior to entering your vehicle so that you don’t give away too much information.
- Answering Too Many Questions
You may be tempted to answer all the police’s questions in an attempt to prove your sincerity or innocence. However, revealing too much information may provide prosecutors with evidence to convict you of a DUI. Don’t buy into any scare tactics that police give you. Follow their instructions and don’t lie, but do not feel obligated to divulge in their questioning.
- Deny the Breathalyzer
Though breath tests provide measurable evidence to support a charge, attorneys know how to refute the results. When you deny a breathalyzer, your state will likely revoke your driver’s license. If you are found innocent of drunk driving, the state doesn’t have to return your license. In order to get your license back, you’ll have to deal with a separate court system after your DUI case is settled.
- Deny an Attorney
You have every right to an attorney and you should exercise that right upon your arrest. An attorney can help you through your case and potentially reduce the charges against you.
If you are arrested, ask for an attorney and don’t answer too many questions. Be careful when offered a breath test, and resist the temptation to be overly accommodating. The less you say and do, the more your DUI attorney can help.
Applebaum & Associates Can Help With Your DUI
Even if you are arrested and charged, there is still hope. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Pennsylvania, like Michael Applebaum, can help you aggressively combat charges, and many will provide a free initial consultation. Investing in your own legal representation may help you avoid thousands of dollars in fines, as well as possible felony convictions and state prison time, depending on the severity of the charge.
