How Soon Should I Get an Attorney After A DUI?

It is best to get an attorney as soon as possible after a DUI arrest. Preferably, you will want to seek assistance from an attorney immediately after your arrest. This may not always be possible, however, the sooner you get your attorney involved, the better. Your lawyer will generally be able to provide the best defense when he or she is involved from the start. You would also be better off by not answering questions on your own. Again, this is not always going to be possible.

Talking to Law Enforcement Officers

A DUI charge is often made in conjunction with a basic traffic stop. For example, you may be stopped for speeding and then the police officer may feel that you may be intoxicated. You may be questioned immediately about whether you have been drinking and you will be asked to take some field sobriety tests. These are tests such as walking a straight line, touching your finger to your nose, and reciting the alphabet.

They are administered to allow the officer to get a general impression as to whether you may be DUI. You will certainly be asked whether you were drinking and you may not want to answer. If you were placed under arrest you will be able to seek legal advice before answering any questions. This is critical to a successful defense.

DUI Tests

In Florida, there is implied consent. This means that by simply signing your driver’s license you are agreeing to take a breath, blood, or urine test when requested to do so by a member of law enforcement. The legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) in Florida is 0.08%. If you are found to be driving with a BAC of over 0.08% you will be charged with DUI. It’s important to note that breath tests are not always performed properly and the results may be misinterpreted.

Your attorney will want to review the results of these tests when preparing your defense. While you may want to avoid taking these tests, you can get into more trouble by refusing. Refusal to take a blood, breath, or urine test when requested will result in separate charges that will include an automatic suspension of your driver’s license. Instead, it is advisable to have your own independent testing completed at the same time.

DUI Defense

The sooner you engage the help of an experienced DUI lawyer, the better. Your lawyer will begin by reviewing all of the information starting with the traffic stop. Your attorney will represent you at an initial hearing, where charges will be defined. Many times an adept attorney will be able to have some of your charges reduced or dropped completely if there is no evidence supporting them.

If you are being held in jail, the lawyer will work to get you out of jail with a lower bail or no bail at all. Your attorney will work tirelessly to assist in defending your case and protecting your rights throughout the case. Many times your attorney may be successful in getting you through the case with the least possible penalties. Getting help from an attorney is the best course of action and gives you the best way to favorably resolve your situation.