If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you’re probably feeling pretty anxious – particularly if you’re in California, which has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. Even if you don’t have a previous record and you were just barely over the blood alcohol limit, if you are convicted of DUI in California, you’ll have to face steep fines, a long probationary period, license suspension, and if certain aggravating factors are present in your case, may even be sent to jail. You may also have to attend DUI classes and there may be additional penalties as well. Most 1st DUIs are charged as misdemeanors, so no jail time is attached, but still, the consequences of a DUI can be far-reaching.
Long-term effects
Not only that, a DUI conviction will stay on your record for 10 years in California. That’s a long time for employers and potential landlords to potentially be judging and possibly discriminating you for making one mistake. And if you have a 2nd DUI conviction anytime during that 10-year period, you’ll be facing even harsher penalties.
Prevent a DUI conviction by following these 3 tips
So, of course, you want to avoid getting a DUI conviction as much as humanly possible. But many people have no idea how to avoid incriminating themselves in their own DUI cases. Here are some effective strategies to prevent a conviction:
Be polite, but firm about not answering incriminating questions
The most effective way is to avoid incriminating yourself happens before you even get arrested. It’s when the police officer has pulled your vehicle over, walks up to your car, and starts asking questions. The typical questions are, “have you been drinking tonight? How much? How long ago? Where are you coming from?” For a lot of people who get pulled over on suspicion of DUI, the direct replies to these questions are totally incriminating.
Politely, with as much courtesy as you can muster, indicate that you’d prefer not to answer. You don’t want to upset the officer – so make sure you aren’t being rude – but as firmly and as calmly as possible, just decline to answer any questions that might help the police officer build a case for arresting you for DUI.
Stay calm when dealing with the police
If you do end up getting arrested for DUI, make sure you don’t incriminate yourself on the way to the police station or at any other time when interacting with the police. Lots of people get frustrated, cuss out the police, and then end up admitting that they drank a lot and/or did tons of drugs. That’s not helping your case at all, and it can make defending you against a DUI that much more difficult for your criminal defense attorney. Just be quiet, be polite to the police officers, give all the necessary information (your address, license, etc.), and call an attorney who specializes in DUI cases as soon as you possibly can.
Don’t discuss your case
While your case is in process, avoid incriminating yourself by staying off social media as much as you can. Avoid talking with friends and family about your DUI arrest – just in the off chance that you might mention or post something online that the prosecution could use in their case against you.
Get personalized legal assistance with your DUI case now
Follow these 3 tips and your case will be in much better shape than it would be otherwise. For more personalized advice and defense throughout your DUI case, contact Southern California’s top DUI defense attorney – Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm.
All potential clients are invited to schedule a free case evaluation with Attorney Chambers. Schedule yours now by:
Phone: 714-760-4088
Email: dchambers@clfca.com
Or use the chat box below.
