What DUI Lawyers Tell Their Friends
DUI lawyers have friends,
yes they don't work all the time, other non-lawyers actually want
to spend time with them; or so I'm told. Those DUI lawyers are
often asked various questions about the DUI & DWI process and
what happens if you're charged with drunk driving.
DUI LAWYERS TELL THEIR FRIENDS
Below are some of the most common conversations that DUI lawyers
tell their friends. While this is not a post on how to get out of
a DUI or DWI, these are legal suggestions that you can use if
facing a DUI arrest and prosecution.
DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE
Drinking and driving could be one of the most dangerous actions,
as it puts the drunk driver and innocent drivers and pedestrians
at risk. DUI lawyers often advise their friends that it's not
worth taking the chance getting behind the wheel after having too
many drinks. That being said, while it's not a crime to drink and
drive, it is a crime to drink too much or two level of impairment
and drive a motor vehicle. If you are planning on drinking and
have to get somewhere, use a ride sharing app or taxi to get home
safely.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO TAKE THE TESTS
As the law stands now, in Maryland, there is no requirement that
a driver who has been stopped for drunk driving submit to field
sobriety test or breath / blood alcohol test. Field sobriety
tests are typically conducted on the roadside by the police
officer if he or she suspects the driver has consumed alcohol
prior to driving.
Drivers do not have to take these tests and are often advised by
defense lawyers to refrain from providing additional evidence to
the police if they're suspected of drunk driving. DUI lawyers
will tell their friends that they don't have to take the test on
the roadside but there may be administrative penalties if you
refuse a breath or blood test.
The breath test is typically administered at the police station
on a machine called an intoximeter. The police officer will
transport the driver back to the police station, read the driver
their rights as it pertains to administrative penalties, and ask
them to submit to a test. If the driver refuses to take the test,
there will be administrative sanctions against their license and
privilege to drive. It may also result in the requirement to
enroll in the ignition interlock program.
CALL YOUR DUI LAWYER
DUI lawyers will tell their friends that if they get pulled over
and charged with a DUI that they should contact their DUI lawyer
soon as possible. By contacting the Law Offices of Randolph Rice
you can speak with a DUI lawyer and schedule a consultation to
discuss your drunk driving charges.
Starting to prepare for a DUI defense is important and he sensual
that a successful outcome. Drunk driving charges not only can
affect your job, but it may also adversely affect your privilege
to drive and your ability to conduct everyday tasks that require
a motor vehicle.
YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS
There is no requirement under the law that you answer the police
officer's questions. You are required to provide your driver's
license, registration and in some cases proof of insurance.
However, you have the right to remain silent. Any words or
statements that you made to the police can and will be used
against you when you appear before the court.
Admissions such as how much you had to drink or the cadence of
your speech can prove detrimental in your defense. The prosecutor
who will be handling your case will look for clues and additional
evidence from your behavior at the scene as well as throughout
the arrest process to prove your case in court. So, keeping your
mouth shut may prove beneficial to you in the long run.
MARYLAND DUI LAWYERS HERE TO HELP
While DUI lawyers may tell their friends these tips, they're not
an excuse to avoid a DUI or DWI charge, but merely advisement of
their rights. Drunk driving charges can cause great stress and
concern for the accused. Hiring a skilled DUI lawyer can prove
beneficial and helpful in securing your freedom. If you've been
charged with DUI or you're facing drunk driving charges in
Maryland, contact the Law Offices of Randolph Rice today to
schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options.