A DUI arrest can be devastating financially and physically. Even if you only consume a couple of drinks, your DUI infraction would be the same as someone who was dangerously over the legal limit. Ideally, you won’t ever need DUI attorneys; avoiding drinking and driving altogether is the safest bet. But if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need legal help, it’s important to understand your rights and what steps you should take.
Steps to Take if You Get Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
Be sure to write everything down that you possibly can. Memory isn’t always a reliable witness, so if you can note a few things, like why you were pulled over and what kind of tests were requested of you, it will be easier to defend your position.
Don’t forget your pre-arrest options. In many states, including Colorado, you have the option to refuse any pre-arrest sobriety test. This includes a breathalyzer or roadside test. Refusing these tests before an arrest cannot be used against you in a court of law. However, there are serious consequences if you refuse testing after you’ve been arrested, so don’t confuse the two.
Lay low, especially on social media. Before we mentioned that refusing a breathalyzer pre-arrest can’t be used against you. But you know what can be used against you? Social media posts from your night out. Just set your profile to private and avoid exposing any potentially incriminating material.
Hire the best DUI attorneys in your town. It’s going to be an extremely stressful, time-consuming and potentially costly process to work through your DUI. It takes a lot of stress off of your shoulders when a knowledgeable, reliable and experienced legal team can walk you through the process.
A lot of DUI cases come from people who feel fine after a couple of drinks but have a BAC (blood alcohol content) over the legal driving limit. It’s a mistake anyone could make, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution.