In Los Angeles, a conviction for driving under the influence is taken quite seriously. Driving under the influence has serious consequences for everyone. You risk losing your license, going to jail, and paying hundreds of dollars in fines if found guilty. A DUI conviction can have far-reaching repercussions for the rest of your life, including higher car insurance premiums, difficulty landing certain employment, and maybe even being unable to find a place to live.
Finding a DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles after you have been charged with DUI may be your best option for keeping your record clean. You may be able to have your DUI charges dropped or reduced with the help of an experienced attorney. Consider these points as you contemplate whether or not to plead guilty to a DUI.
For those who find themselves in the unfortunate position of dealing with DUI accusations, the following considerations may help you come out on top.
1. Work With The Law Enforcer
To begin, you need to avoid further complications. Whenever a person is pulled over for speeding or driving under the influence, their first instinct is to argue with the police officer. Nothing you say or do will save you from getting caught. An officer's testimony will always be given more weight than your own if they found you to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even though it may be difficult to keep your cool under the influence of alcohol, it is in your best interest to do what the police officer asks. The minimum information required from you is your name and address; otherwise, you should keep your mouth shut.
2. Find Out Why You Were Pulled Over
Reasonable suspicion is required for a police officer to initiate a DUI stop. When stopped by law enforcement, it is probably because you broke the law or were involved in an accident. Hence, politely ask why you were stopped. Make sure to be be respectful and listen carefully.
3. Field Sobriety Tests Are Optional
As with many other things, there are a lot of false ideas about drunk driving on the internet. A field sobriety test is one of the most typical requirements for anyone who has been stopped on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. You are free to decide whether or not you wish to take this examination.
It is in your best interest to politely refuse a field sobriety test if you believe the results would further incriminate you.
4. Refuse To Take A Breathalyzer
In the majority of the United States, law enforcement agents are equipped with a handheld breathalyzer. The number of breathalyzers that aren’t state-approved is shocking, so you should never use one of them. The findings of a breathalyzer test administered by a law enforcement officer might be presented as evidence in court if they indicate that the suspect was impaired by alcohol or drugs. The prosecutor will attempt to use the officer's testimony against you to raise your sentence. You are under no obligation to submit to a breathalyzer test if a law enforcement officer requests that you do so. However, you should be kind while doing so if accused of DWI.
5. Document What Happened
Your ability to recall what transpired in your case is crucial. It is important to recall the events leading up to the stop and the officer's words and actions once he pulled you over. Not only can writing down your account of the events help you remember the specifics later, but it will also assist in uncovering any police misconduct that may have occurred during the OUI accusations.
6. Seek Legal Counsel Without Delay
If this is your first arrest, you may feel overwhelmed by the entire situation. Police and prosecutors often use coercion to get confessions from those arrested for driving under the influence. Everyone has the right to legal representation, so keep asking the authorities how soon you can speak with your lawyer. Find a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases and is familiar with all applicable local laws.
The Wrap-Up
A conviction for drunk driving carries severe consequences and will follow you around for years, if not forever. When prospective companies and educational institutions consider it, it might derail your entire life.
The best advice for avoiding a DUI is, of course, to never acquire one. No amount of alcohol or drugs is worth risking your life while behind the wheel. But if you find yourself being arrested, you don't need to make things worse by fighting back. Knowing your rights and remaining cooperative with the police officer is the best course of action. If you are innocent, you need not fear as your attorney will have no trouble having you released.