The Do’s and Don’ts of Fighting DUI Charges
Nobody wants to find themselves in a situation where they are facing DUI charges. However, while it might feel like you’re out of options, your fate is never set in stone. In many cases, it’s possible to fight to have your penalties reduced or your charges dropped. However, your ability to achieve a favorable outcome will often depend on the actions you take after the arrest.
In this article, we share a few a steps you can follow to help build your defense and avoid mistakes that might otherwise sink your chances of success:
1. Do Compile Evidence from the Day of the Arrest
Successfully fighting your charges will often boil down to dismantling the state’s case against you. As such, it’s important to gather evidence that shows that the arresting officers infringed on your rights or made mistakes while conducting chemical and field sobriety tests. An attorney might use many different types of evidence such as videos of the arrest, receipts showing your whereabouts throughout the day, and eyewitness statements, so it’s important to compile any proof you’ve gathered to share with your attorney.
2. Don’t Talk about the Arrest with Anyone
While you might want to vent about the arrest to friends and family, these conversations could come back to haunt you. Unfortunately, the prosecution may be able to subpoena those close to you, forcing them to testify during proceedings. As such, anything you said to them could be used to secure a conviction. The only individual you can talk to and expect confidentially is your DUI attorney.
3. Do Seek Legal Representation
Florida’s criminal proceedings can be incredibly confusing, making it all too easy to miss important deadlines or commit serious errors that could lead to your conviction. Finding an attorney who is familiar with the state’s court system and has represented those facing DUI charges in the past could be invaluable during this challenging chapter of your life. Not only can he or she represent you throughout proceedings, but a lawyer can also help advise you at every stage, helping you avoid mistakes that might otherwise hurt your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
4. Don’t Post about Your Charges on Social Media
It’s not only your conversations in the real world that could be used against you, those on social media could also be used as evidence to secure a conviction. While it might be tempting to share videos of the arrest or discuss the officers’ actions on social media, you should never share anything related to your charges online as the prosecution may be able to gain access to this information. In most cases, it’s best to deactivate your online profiles until your case is resolved.
Discuss Your Case with a Palm Beach Gardens DUI Lawyer Today
Were you arrested for driving under the influence? It’s important to make use of every chance you have to fight the charges. A conviction could lead to harsh penalties and a permanent mark on your criminal making it difficult for you to find employment, housing, and further your education.
Todd A. Kawecki is a Florida DUI lawyer who has committed his practice to helping those who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. With experience working as a prosecutor, he knows exactly what it takes to prevail in even the most complex cases. Contact us today at 772-485-4500 or head over to our Contact Page to request a free consultation.