A DUI conviction could completely change life as you know it in Florida, leaving you dealing not only with harsh criminal penalties, but also a damaged reputation and a difficult road ahead. A mere arrest could also prove devastating — even if you are not ultimately convicted. Hence, the need for caution if you are pulled over and accused of driving under the influence. How you behave in this frustrating situation could determine whether you make it through the storm unscathed — or whether you suffer severe repercussions in the months and years to come. Follow these steps to minimize the damage from a DUI arrest in Northwest Florida:
Contact Your DUI Attorney
Do not discuss your behavior behind the wheel with law enforcement officials. Seemingly innocuous statements could ultimately harm your case. Don’t risk accidentally incriminating yourself; it’s always better to refuse to speak than to say the wrong thing. When in doubt, keep quiet about the situation until your DUI attorney arrives. The sooner you seek legal representation, the better; deadlines for administrative proceedings can be surprisingly tight.
Resist the Urge to Discuss Your Case
No matter how outraged or upset you may feel about your arrest, you should not discuss the matter with anyone other than your lawyer. This is true not only of your interactions with law enforcement officials, but also conversations with your coworkers, acquaintances, friends, and even family members. Unfortunately, you don’t enjoy the true confidentiality with these individuals that you do with an attorney. When it comes to DUI charges, you can never be too cautious.
Be Careful on Social Media
The less you share online, the better. No matter how tempted you feel to complain on Facebook or share photos from your latest party on Instagram, you’ll want to resist anything that could prove helpful for the prosecution. Incriminating photos, videos, and status updates can easily be used against you.
Get a Sense for Which Defenses Could Apply to Your Case
Your DUI case is far from hopeless. Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, a favorable outcome may be possible — even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) reached 0.08 at the time of arrest. Common defenses to DUI allegations include:
- Improperly maintained or calibrated breathalyzer devices
- Incorrectly administered tests
- Lack of training among officers asked to administer tests
- False positives prompted by medical conditions or high-protein diets.
Your DUI attorney can help you determine whether these or other defenses may apply to your case. During your consultation, you’ll discuss any extenuating circumstances that could have contributed to your high BAC. Be completely honest with your lawyer, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. The more background information you can provide, the greater your chances of finding and executing a viable defense.
Work With a Trusted Destin DUI Attorney
Attorney selection matters. This is especially true when you are charged with a potentially life-changing DUI. Attorney John Greene boasts a strong track record in DUI law — and he’s happy to address your current legal concerns. With his help, reduced or even dismissed charges may be possible. Reach out online or call 850-424-6833 at your earliest convenience to learn more about your legal options — and to discover how John F. Greene Attorney at Law can be of assistance.
