3 Questions Your Florida DUI Attorney Will Ask You

If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence, you’ve likely considered hiring an attorney to help fight the charges. Not only can a skilled DUI defense lawyer help you build a strong defense, but he or she can also oversee the logistics of your case and advise you on how to avoid common mistakes, alleviating stress during this challenging chapter of your life.

During the initial consultation, you will have a chance to get answers to your questions and gain insight into how proceedings might unfold. It’s also an opportunity for your attorney to assess your situation, review the evidence you’ve gathered, and begin planning their investigation into the arrest.

Let’s take a look at a few questions he or she might ask:

1. What Happened When You Were Arrested?

Your attorney will want to find out why you were stopped by police officers, what you and the officers said during the arrest and at the station, and which tests were conducted during this stop. To fight the charges against you, a DUI defense attorney will be looking for any signs that the arresting officers deviated from protocol or infringed on your rights.

For instance, police require “probable cause” to stop someone on the road. As such, if your attorney can show the officers acted on a “hunch” or did not have a legally justifiable reason to stop you, all the evidence—including test results—gathered during this stop may be suppressed.

2. Have You Been Using Social Media since the Arrest?

After an arrest, your emotions will likely be running high. In this state, it’s all too easy to say something that will give the prosecution the evidence they need to convict you. Even posts you publish online could become ammunition in the hands of the state. As such, you should avoid discussing the arrest, your pending case, the charges you’re facing, your social activities, and any other details from the day of the arrest. In most cases, it’s best to deactivate your online accounts for the duration of proceedings.

3. Have You Been Convicted for Drunk Driving Before?

Prior offenses can up the ante on your charges, leaving you facing harsher penalties such as jail time, long-term license suspensions, and steep fines. As such, your attorney will want to know whether you’ve been convicted for similar offenses in the past.

For instance, if this is your second DUI within five years of your first, it’s far more likely that you could receive jail time if you’re convicted. Additionally, there are other factors that could lead to stricter penalties. For example, if you caused an accident and injured someone while driving drunk, your charge could be increased to an aggravated DUI which often carries harsher punishments.

Discuss Your Situation with a DUI Attorney in Stuart, FL

If you were arrested for driving under the influence, you may still be able to fight the charges and have your license reinstated. Todd A. Kawecki is a DUI defense attorney who knows what it takes to prevail under the most trying circumstances. He can investigate the arrest, help identify any mistakes officers made, and protect your rights throughout proceedings. Dial 772-485-4500 or visit our contact page HERE to request a free case assessment.