Charged with a DUI? Follow These Do’s and Don’ts
Driving under the influence is a serious offense that—if you’re convicted—can result in harsh penalties. However, a conviction is never a foregone conclusion as you will have an opportunity to defend yourself against the charges.
As such, it’s crucial that you consider your next steps carefully. Any mistakes you make right now could leave you on the back foot, turning a possible conviction into an all-but-certain fate. In this article, we share a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind for the days ahead:
Do Lay Low on Social Media
After a DUI arrest, it’s understandable if you want to seek out support and guidance from family and friends. However, posting about your arrest or sharing details of the incident on social media can be detrimental to your case. Prosecutors can use your social media posts as evidence against you in court. Therefore, it’s advisable to deactivate your social media profiles or refrain from posting about your arrest, pending case, or social activities until legal proceedings have concluded.
Don’t Assume a Conviction is Inevitable
It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and believe that there’s no way to avoid a conviction—especially if the officers have convinced you that it’s an open-and-shut case. However, it’s essential to remember that you have the right to defend yourself in court. Even if the evidence against you seems strong, there may be opportunities to challenge the charges.
A skilled DUI lawyer can thoroughly investigate your arrest, review the available evidence, and identify any errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. With the right defense strategy, it may be possible to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Do Keep Track of Important Deadlines
After a DUI arrest, critical deadlines need to be met to protect your driving license. In Florida, you will have up to 10 days to request an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. Failing to meet this deadline could result in the automatic revocation of your driving rights. A DUI lawyer can help you keep track of these deadlines and ensure that you take the necessary steps at every stage of proceedings.
Don’t Drive without a License
If your driver’s license has been suspended because of a DUI arrest, driving without a valid license can have severe consequences. For instance, it could result in additional charges and may lead to the judge revoking your bond, leaving you stuck behind bars until your case has been resolved. Bottom line: It’s crucial to comply with the terms of your license suspension and refrain from driving until you have legal authorization to do so.
Speak to a Port St. Lucie DUI Lawyer Today
If you’re facing DUI charges, discussing your case with a DUI lawyer as soon as possible may be a wise decision. Attorney Todd A. Kawecki understands the complexities of DUI law and can provide you with a skilled and aggressive defense.
He recognizes that even those with the best intentions can find themselves in challenging legal situations, and he’s committed to protecting your rights. Contact us today at 772-485-4500 or visit our Contact Page to request a free case review with a Florida DUI lawyer.