Advocacy That Puts You First.

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Avoiding Mistakes When Arrested For DUI Or DWI

For many people, a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge may be their first and only contact with the criminal justice system. This can be a nerve-wracking experience that can lead people to make mistakes that can result in serious consequences. Such consequences may often be mitigated by exercising your right to remain silent and seeking help from a lawyer as soon as possible after an arrest.

Lackey Law Firm, P.C., wants to help you avoid mistakes if you are pulled over under suspicion of drunk driving. Even if you made some mistakes in the confusion of the moment, you still have options. The firm is dedicated to helping you protect your rights while building an effective defense against criminal charges.

What Not To Do

The following mistakes may limit your available defenses and possibly get you in deeper trouble. Some things that you should be aware of when you have been pulled over on suspicion of DUI or DWI include:

  • Admitting guilt: One of the first questions an officer will ask you is if you have been drinking. It can be tempting to volunteer how much you have had to drink or to downplay the amount of alcohol you have consumed. At this point, know that anything you say can be used as evidence against you.
  • Arguing with the officer: Nobody has ever won an argument with a police officer. Be polite, respectful and exercise your right to remain silent.
  • Forgetting that your license will be suspended: There are two components to a drunk driving charge in Texas. In most cases, in addition to the criminal proceeding, there is a civil process where your driver’s license can be automatically suspended if you fail to request a hearing. You must request an administrative hearing concerning your license shortly after you have been arrested. That is why it can be important to contact an attorney as soon as you are released, to help walk you through this process and advocate for you in the administrative hearing.
  • Assuming you have no defenses: Even you submit to a breath test or a blood sample was taken and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured above the legal limit of .08, that does not mean you do not have a defense. In cases, this evidence can be contested on a variety of factors, such as operator error, improperly calibrated machines, inappropriate laboratory procedures and other circumstances that can result in false readings.

Do Not Make The Mistake Of Refusing Legal Help

The biggest mistake anyone can make when charged with drunk driving is not securing legal representation. There are often defenses available, and if an outright dismissal of your charges is not possible, it may still be possible to plead down to a lesser charge.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney, call Lackey Law Firm, P.C., today at 888-705-0307. With locations in Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, Austin, The Woodlands, and Corpus Christi, Texas, we are ready to help you.* You may also complete the online contact form.

*Main office is located in Austin, Texas. All office locations are staffed by appointment only.