Driving under the influence (DUI) carries serious penalties. You face jail time, fine, license suspension, mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device and more. The penalties are relatively light for the first offense but grow harsher with subsequence offenses. During a DUI arrest, people tend to make mistakes which are then used as evidence against them in the court. This is why it is critically important to know the things you must not do when a police officer stops and arrests you for DUI.
Don’t Admit Guilt
When you are charged with DUI, it goes on your criminal record. In Idaho, the DUI lookback period is 10 years. This means that the DUI charge stays on your record for a decade. Worse still, you have to pay higher auto insurance rates because of the DUI charge. So it makes every sense not to plead guilty in a DUI case. Many DUI cases do not follow due procedure. With a good DUI defense attorney on your side, you can have such a case tossed and the charges dropped. This can only happen if you don’t immediately admit guilt.
Don’t Talk Too Much
If you think you can talk your way out of a DUI arrest, think again. Talking will not help you. Instead, it is only going to hurt your case. A police officer tells you at the time of arrest that anything you do or say can be used against you in a court of law. That is a fact.
The officer will use any and all bits of information you share. This is why it is best to use your right to remain silent and speak only when absolutely necessary.
Don’t Fight DUI Charges Without a Lawyer
A DUI case is propped up on various factors. Every step in a DUI case can be analyzed to see if there are any flaws or gaps. For instance, the police officer must tell you your rights, turn on the video and follow other specific requirements when arresting you for DUI. When any of the requirements at any step are not met, you can move the court to drop the charges.
However, it is nearly impossible for you to identify case flaws or gaps on your own. You need a skilled DUI lawyer to analyze your case and prepare a solid defense. In nearly all DUI cases, your chances of getting reduced penalties are far better with an attorney on your side.
Don’t Forget to Appeal License Suspension After a DUI Arrest
One of the first things that happen after a DUI citation is that your license is suspended. This is a major hassle as this means that you can no longer drive any vehicle. This may prevent you from dropping kids at school, going to your job or driving anywhere in the state.
You can appeal against the suspension and seek a DMV hearing within 7 days. This hearing is required regardless of how matters proceed at the DUI court case. Even if your DUI charges are dropped, you must file for a DMV hearing or your license suspension will stay in place.
Don’t Drive on a Suspended License
When your driver’s license is suspended after a DUI arrest, you don’t have driving privileges. If you drive in spite of the suspension, you are guilty of ‘driving without privileges.’ In Idaho, this is a misdemeanor that is punishable with up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
In addition to this, you may face a further suspension of your license for up to 180 days. This suspension will be in addition to the original suspension brought about by your DUI arrest.
Needless to say, it makes no sense to drive while your license is suspended. You run the risk of higher penalties and it can also dent your prospects in the DUI court proceedings.
How Can a Boise DUI Attorney Help You After a DUI Arrest?
You have time to prepare a defense against your DUI charges between the arrest and the court hearing. This is when you should hire a DUI attorney. An attorney will look at the facts and help you furnish the best defense. With the advice of your attorney, you can also avoid the legal pitfalls mentioned above. By avoiding these pitfalls, you significantly improve your odds of having the DUI charges reduced or dropped.
Hiring a Boise DUI Lawyer After Your DUI Arrest
Here at Boise DUI Guy, we help you seek reduced penalties after a DUI arrest. With our highly experienced lawyers, we help you cover all bases from the DMV hearing to the court proceedings. We also help you explore options like community service and rehabilitation programs to have your charges greatly reduced. Contact us today to discuss your case in a FREE consultation with our Boise DUI lawyers.