If you get arrested for a DUI, you’re going to go through a lot, starting with a wide range of emotions.
You’ll begin with denial because you can’t believe this happened. Then you’ll feel embarrassed, especially if your friends and family find out. That will change to anger. You’ll be mad at the police at first, but when you dig deeper, you realize you’re really angry at yourself. All of this is happening as you look at the prospect of fines and jail time. That is a lot to take on by yourself.
Should you get a lawyer for your first DUI?
A DUI is a criminal offense. As such, it can only be resolved in a court of law before a judge and in some cases, a jury. Unlike what you might see on television courtroom dramas, representing yourself in court is not recommended when your freedom is at stake.
The Fort Myers DUI attorneys working at Titan Law can provide the guidance and information you need to make the right decisions about resolving your DUI case.
Mistakes First-Time DUI Offenders Make
When a police officer pulls you over for suspicion of a DUI, the legal process begins. From that moment forward, that officer can make procedural mistakes that can impact the outcome of your DUI charge and work in your favor. Unfortunately, there are mistakes you can make that might complicate your case.
Did you make any of these mistakes?
Refusing Breathalyzer or Blood Tests
Like many states, Florida has implied consent laws for licensed drivers. When you accept a license, you also consent to a breathalyzer or blood test if a police officer has probable cause and makes the request.
Refusing to take the test can result in an automatic license suspension, regardless of the results. The police officer can also obtain a warrant to compel you to take the test. Your refusal can also be used against you in court.
Resisting Arrest
Depending on the circumstances, you might become confrontational with the police officer who stopped you. That can trigger additional charges being added to your DUI charges.
Self-incrimination
Anything you say or do can be used against you. That is part of the Miranda Rights that anyone who’s placed under arrest will read. If you willingly volunteer incriminating information, it will go into a police report and be brought up at trial.
The best thing you can do is refuse to answer questions until you speak with a lawyer.
Benefits of Hiring a DUI Attorney
When you retain the services of an experienced DUI lawyer, you will have a strong advocate whose goal is to get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed.
If you’re unsure about why you should hire a DUI attorney, consider the following benefits:
Legal Knowledge and Experience
There is a litany of laws pertaining to DUI charges and police procedures.
Hiring an attorney with extensive legal knowledge and experience will enable you to challenge your charges and what happened during your arrest. That will help with the final resolution of your case.
Minimizing Penalties
Your attorney will be fighting to minimize your potential penalties. A DUI conviction can impact all aspects of your life, from your job to your social standing. A skilled attorney will know how to appeal to a judge and jury to mitigate the charges and emphasize that this was a mistake that you regret and want to move on from.
Your attorney might ask for a plea bargain to reduce your charges, fine, and eliminate the possibility of any jail time.
Restoring Your Driving Privileges
Losing your driver’s license is a common consequence of a DUI arrest. That can disrupt your family and your ability to go to work. Your DUI lawyer knows the limits of what can be done to restore your driving privileges by having the suspension lifted or obtaining a limited hardship license.
Representing You in Court
The most essential benefit of having a lawyer is that they will represent you in court. That begins with preparing you with the proper way to dress and address the judge to create a positive impression.
Your lawyer may also be familiar with the prosecutor and their limits on how far to pursue your case.
They’ll know the right evidence to present to support your story, as well.
Providing Peace of Mind
Finally, having a lawyer on your side will give you peace of mind. They will be there to answer your questions and present you with all the options.
At Titan Law, we want you to make an informed decision about the best approach for defending your charges and what you can accept for a fair outcome.
Don’t wait to get your life back.
