Being arrested for DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence) is a stressful and overwhelming experience. In the immediate aftermath, it’s easy to make decisions that can harm your case and lead to more severe consequences.
The first decision you should make is hiring an experienced DWI/DUI attorney. If you’ve been arrested, call Combs Waterkotte as soon as possible at (314) 900-HELP to schedule a free consultation with an expert DWI/DUI defense lawyer who can provide legal advice and guidance on next steps. The Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI legal team has over 40 years of experience successfully handling cases just like yours.
Understanding the common mistakes individuals make after a DWI/DUI arrest – and how to avoid them – can help you protect your rights and improve your chances of a better outcome.
1. Talking Too Much to the Police
Source: robinsonstith.com
One of the most common mistakes individuals make after a DWI/DUI arrest is talking too much to the police. After an arrest, emotions run high, and it’s natural to want to explain your side of the story or justify your actions. However, anything you say can be used against you in court.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Exercise your right to remain silent. Politely inform the officers that you wish to speak with a Combs Waterkotte attorney before answering any questions. This is your constitutional right, and it can prevent you from making statements that could harm your defense.
2. Not Hiring a Lawyer Right Away
Some individuals make the mistake of thinking they can handle a DWI/DUI charge on their own or that the charge is minor and doesn’t warrant legal representation. This can lead to costly errors in court and missed opportunities for reducing or dismissing the charge.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Contact a skilled Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI attorney immediately after your arrest. An experienced lawyer can review the evidence, protect your rights, and help build a strong defense. The sooner you involve an attorney, the better equipped they’ll be to handle your case.
3. Failing to Request a DMV Hearing
In Missouri, after a DWI/DUI arrest, you face both criminal charges and potential administrative penalties, such as the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. One common mistake is not requesting a hearing with the Department of Revenue (DMV) within the required time frame, which can lead to automatic license suspension.
How to Avoid This Mistake: After your arrest, you typically have 15 days to request a hearing to contest your license suspension. Failing to do so will result in the automatic suspension of your driving privileges. Act quickly to preserve your right to a hearing.
4. Assuming the Case is Hopeless
Many individuals arrested for DWI/DUI assume that because they failed a breathalyzer or field sobriety test, there is no way to fight the charge. This defeatist attitude can prevent them from exploring potential defenses that could lead to a reduction or dismissal of the charges.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Remember that DWI/DUI cases are not always clearcut. There are many factors that can be challenged, such as the accuracy of the breathalyzer, the legality of the traffic stop, or the reliability of the field sobriety tests. A knowledgeable Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI lawyer can investigate your case and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.
5. Missing Court Dates
Failing to appear in court after a DWI/DUI arrest is a serious mistake that can lead to additional penalties, including a warrant for your arrest. It can also make it more difficult to negotiate a favorable outcome in your case.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Mark all court dates on your calendar and set reminders to ensure you don’t miss any appearances. If you’re unsure of when you need to be in court, check with your attorney or the court system. Your Combs Waterkotte lawyer may also be able to appear on your behalf for certain hearings, but it’s essential to communicate with them about your schedule.
6. Not Taking the Charge Seriously
Some individuals underestimate the consequences of a DWI/DUI arrest and fail to take the charge seriously. A DWI/DUI conviction can result in hefty fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and even jail time, particularly if it’s not your first offense.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Understand that a DWI/DUI charge is a serious legal matter. Even a first-time DWI/DUI conviction can have long-term consequences. Hiring a Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI attorney and following their advice is crucial for minimizing the impact on your life.
7. Ignoring the Impact on Your Driver’s License and Insurance
Many individuals focus solely on the criminal aspect of a DWI/DUI charge and overlook the impact it can have on their driver’s license and insurance. Losing your driving privileges can severely affect your ability to work and manage day-to-day responsibilities.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Work with your Combs Waterkotte lawyer to address both the criminal case and the administrative hearing related to your driver’s license. Additionally, be aware that a DWI/DUI conviction can cause a significant increase in your insurance premiums. Some insurers may even drop your coverage altogether. It’s essential to explore options to mitigate these consequences.
8. Posting About Your Arrest on Social Media
In today’s digital age, many individuals feel the need to share every aspect of their lives on social media, including legal matters like a DWI/DUI arrest. Posting about your case online can give prosecutors additional evidence to use against you.
How to Avoid This Mistake: Refrain from discussing your DWI/DUI arrest or case on social media. Anything you post can potentially be used as evidence in court, even if you think it’s harmless. It’s best to keep details about your case private and only discuss it with your Combs Waterkotte attorney.
A DWI/DUI arrest is a serious legal matter that requires careful handling. By avoiding common mistakes like talking too much to the police, missing court dates, or underestimating the consequences, you can protect your rights and increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Most importantly, hiring an experienced Combs Waterkotte DWI/DUI attorney is crucial to navigating the complexities of the legal system and ensuring the best defense possible.
Call Combs Waterkotte now at (314) 900-HELP for a confidential case review.
