Drunk driving cases in the United States are so rampant. Such cases are considered grievous offenses and attract hefty fines and severe repercussions that will affect your life significantly. If you are facing drunk driving charges, you can lessen the impact by handling the situation the right way.
Below, we will inform you how to go about such DUI cases:
Don’t panic and Cooperate
Once faced by a law enforcement officer, you should hold your peace and cooperate. Failure to do so will only worsen the situation and attract more charges your way. However, if you remain peaceful and respectful, provide the requested documentation, including your driver’s license, registration number, and insurance.
If they ask you to take a sobriety test, don’t hesitate to do so. If you object to it, you will be subject to automatic penalties, according to most jurisdictions. For instance, your license could be suspended.
Seek to Understand What You’ve Been Accused of
You must understand fully what you are being charged for. In most cases, Edmonton drunk driving charge attracts penalties such as license suspension, a possible jail term, mandatory classes, and fines. You can understand all this by reviewing your citation and analyzing the documents presented to you by the police.
Hire a Professional DUI Attorney
A skilled DUI lawyer can help review your case to see if they find any gaps in the evidence presented against you. They’ll use such to present a strong defense for you in court, which may help reduce your penalties or ease the severity of the charges. To achieve this, you must work with a DUI attorney with an excellent track of success in such cases and one who is familiar with the local court and law system.
Write Down Details About the Incident
Your lawyer will need these details about the incident, and that’s why it is crucial that you document them. For example, write down where you were, the alcohol you drank, what amount you drank, and your interactions with law enforcers. With such information, the lawyer can identify procedural errors and inconsistencies in the law enforcers’ actions, which may help in your defense.
Obey Court Orders
The judge will give you a court date after you are charged. You can keep things from getting out of control by obeying all court orders. Attend all court hearings as outlined, avoid alcohol abuse, and complete substance abuse evaluation. Keep in mind that violating court orders could translate into additional charges and severe penalties.
Consider Mitigation Options
Sometimes, showing remorsefulness and willingness to take responsibility for your actions can lead to positive outcomes. For instance, you can enroll in a DUI education program or seek a professional for your alcohol-related issues. By so doing, the judges may reconsider their decision and offer you reduced penalties.
Safeguard Your Driving Privileges
With a DUI charge, there is a high chance that you could lose your driver’s license. However, in some jurisdictions, you can ask for a hearing to appeal for your license suspension. When it comes to protecting your driving privileges, you must be fast since such request deadlines are key. Be sure to consult your attorney, who will offer you advice on how to protect your driving privileges.
Final Thoughts
A drunk driving charge can be so frustrating, but you can sit back and watch your life go down the drain. You can apply some measures to ensure you get more lenient penalties and jail sentences where applicable. These include avoiding drama during arrest, complying with law enforcers, hiring an attorney, and seeking to understand your charge details.
