Top 5 Mistakes People Make After Being Arrested for a DUI
Getting arrested for driving under the influence is hopefully not something that happens repeatedly (or certainly not regularly) for you, but if you’re ever in the unfortunate circumstance of having to go through the process of dealing with a DUI arrest, it might be helpful to understand what to do. Even better, understanding some of the top mistakes that individuals make following a DUI arrest is a great way to avoid them.
Thanks to the experienced DUI attorneys over at Hoffman & Associates, here are the Top 5 mistakes people make after being arrested for a DUI.
Top DUI Mistake #5: Not Writing Down Everything That Happened. Writing down everything that happened as soon as you are arrested is a wise decision. Anything from what you were doing, where you were going, where you were coming from, who was with you, what you ate and drank, what time you were pulled over, what the officer said to you, what you said to the officer, and what happened after that. The more that you can write down about what happened—even if it seems like the most insignificant detail or fact—the better. And the sooner that you can do this, the better, because the further you get away from that night, the more fuzzy those details will become to you.
Top DUI Mistake #4: Assuming Failure to Pass FST and Chemical Tests Means There’s Nothing You Can Do. Often times, people assume that because they were told that they failed to pass a field sobriety test (or “FST”) or was over the legal blood alcohol limit in one of the chemical tests (either a breathalyzer test or blood test), but this is simply not true. There are a lot of flaws and errors that could happen in the administration of field sobriety tests, as well as the chemical tests. There can also be several other factors about the arrest and the entire case that could be a possible loophole to get out, so don’t assume anything.
Top DUI Mistake #3: Failing to Request a DMV Hearing. You only have ten days from the date of your arrest to apply for a DMV Administrative Per Se Hearing. Failing to apply for a DMV hearing within the ten day period following your DUI arrest will result in an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Many people fail to do so because they, like Mistake #4, assume that there is nothing they can do to and that it is hopeless to fight their case. Failing to request this hearing is a guaranteed suspension, but applying for this hearing gives you the option to figure out your case and avoid suspension of your driver’s license.
Top DUI Mistake #2: Posting Information About Your Case on Social Media. This particular mistake might seem silly, but you would be surprised about how many legal cases (DUI and otherwise) are blown because people discuss details about their case on Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets with their friends and family. You might say something that may incriminate you or potentially harm your case, so refrain from posting anything about your arrest or your case online, where others might use the information you provide against you.
Top DUI Mistake #1: Failing to Consult with a DUI Attorney. Last, but not least, one of the most common mistakes that people make following a DUI arrest is failing to consult a qualified and experienced DUI attorney. An experienced DUI attorney will be able to determine, based on the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, your chances of being able to fight and contest the charges. Experienced DUI attorneys have gone through enough cases to understand the DUI legal process and will be able to advise you on what will work (and, sometimes more importantly, what will not).
In conclusion, no matter what the situation, if you’ve ever been arrested for a DUI, consult an experienced DUI attorney to figure out what strategies may be available for you. At that point, you have nothing to lose!
For those in the greater Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties of California, contact Hoffman & Associates at 1-888-377-9770 to set up a free meeting to discuss your case!
This post is brought to you the good folks at Hoffman & Associates, servicing DUI and automobile accident needs of those throughout the greater Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. If you or a loved one has ever been pulled over for a DUI, contact us at 1-888-377-9770 to set up a free initial consultation to discuss your case. We’d love to connect with you on Facebook!