Being charged with a DUI puts you in a situation that can’t be ignored. The penalties for being found guilty can be severe, even for your first offense. And the consequences of having a DUI on your record can haunt you for the rest of your life.
The good news is that it’s possible to put together a strong DUI defense, fight the charges, and preserve your freedoms. But not every defense is a strong DUI defense. And some strategies will do you more harm than good. These are the essential components of a strong DUI defense that you will want to rely on in any and every circumstance:
Understand The Consequences
This is an important but often dismissed part of a strong DUI defense. As was mentioned above, a DUI conviction can cause a lot of problems for you. No matter what the circumstances are, you will want to do everything possible to avoid being convicted. Understanding how much is on the line can motivate you to pursue a strong DUI defense and put in the hard work that it takes to aggressively fight for your rights and freedoms.
Find the Right Lawyer
You may be tempted to represent yourself in court. More likely is that you reach out to the first DUI lawyer you can find. In either case, you should not expect to put forth a strong DUI defense. A quality lawyer is the single greatest asset you can have in this process. That means they have extensive experience fighting DUI charges, know how the local police and prosecutors operate, and respect how serious a DUI charge truly is. Taking the time to find a lawyer who is truly committed to providing you with a strong DUI defense will help to make a bad situation better at every step along the way.
Learn the Law for a DUI Defense
Even if you do not plan to represent yourself, it’s worth your time and effort to study the applicable DUI laws. That way you understand how much is at stake, and what kind of tools the police and prosecutors will be using against you. If there is an aspect of the law that jumps out at you, don’t hesitate to point it out to your lawyer. Sometimes a single detail is what separates a strong DUI defense from an average one.
Record Your Recollections
As soon as you can after you are arrested, write down everything you can remember about the time before, during, and after your DUI arrest. No detail is irrelevant. And if you can supply pictures, audio recordings, or any other supporting media it will only help to make your narrative stronger. Once you reach court, the police and prosecutor will present their own version of events. You will want to be able to challenge that story, so don’t let the passage of time cloud your memory. A strong DUI defense depends on having your version of events.
Be Willing to Make Amends
A strong DUI defense can come in many forms. But in general, you will not want to appear cocky or unrepentant when you enter court. And if it’s clear that you made a mistake even if you are not technically guilty under the letter of the law, you will want to appear appropriately contrite. Sometimes the best DUI defense is accepting a lesser sentence rather than fighting to be found not guilty. That might mean attending alcohol treatment classes or some other form of counseling. This is always the better alternative to hefty fines or a lengthy jail sentence.
Accept the Right Advice
You probably know someone else who has been arrested for a DUI. They might have their own ideas about what a strong DUI defense looks like and encourage you to follow the same strategy they relied on. You can also go online and find dozens of ideas for how to fight a DUI charge by questioning the credibility of the police or making a principled stand for your rights. Be aware that the only strong DUI defense is one that has been specifically tailored to the circumstances around your arrest. You should never rely on amateur advice, and you should be eager and able to follow the lead of a DUI lawyer who you trust. With so much on the line, you can’t afford to roll the dice of a long-shot strategy.
When you are arrested for a DUI, you will want to get in contact with a dedicated DUI lawyer as soon as you possibly can. A strong DUI defense depends on having time to prepare. Plus, with a lawyer on your side you can sidestep the types of traps that the police and prosecutors often set for DUI defendants. Rely on Rory Munns Attorney at Law to provide the kind of strong DUI defense you’re looking for. Call 401-573-2265 to get immediate advice and guidance.