What Should I Do If I’m Charged With DUI?

A DUI should not be taken lightly as they can result in penalties such as fines or jail time, as a San Francisco, CA based DUI lawyer can tell you. Your life can be severely impacted if you have a DUI conviction on your record. Talking to a lawyer right away like one from Morales Law Firm can help you navigate the situation. You have a stronger chance of getting a less serious charge or dropped altogether. However, you need to take urgent action if you want to have a strong defense. 

How much information do I need to give to the police? 

If you are being questioned or about to be taken into custody by the police, remember that you only need to provide essential information and that you have the right to stay silent. Other than basic information such as your name, insurance information and car registration, you don’t have to provide the police with anything else. In fact, saying too many things can do more harm than good. You may accidentally give information that could damage your case. It’s best to stay silent if you are not sure of what to say or are unable to provide a statement that could protect you. Wait until you have a lawyer present before you speak to law enforcement authorities. 

Should I write down what happened? 

Whenever you find yourself in legal trouble, write down your account of what happened. Having it in writing as soon as possible can help to bolster your defense. Write down as many details as you can so that it is accurate. If you wait too long, you might forget important facts that could make or break your case. This is especially important if the arresting police officer has a different account than what you remember. 

Can I share my case details with family and friends? 

If you are being charged with a crime, you should not share any of your case information with anyone, including family members and close friends. You have an ongoing case and facts and evidence are in the process of being gathered. Disclosing any details of your case can do more damage. In addition to limiting your communication, you should also keep your social media activity to a minimum. 

Is it necessary to hire a lawyer? 

Hiring your own DUI lawyer that you can count on to be on your side offers a number of benefits. You can depend on them to give you legal advice throughout your case, so that you are not left to navigate the situation on your own. Without sufficient legal knowledge, you may struggle to defend yourself against the charge. It is best to hire a lawyer so that you can be confident your rights will be protected. 

While being charged with DUI is a stressful experience, with a lawyer to support you the situation can be more manageable. They will work hard to provide you with the strongest defense so that you can get a desirable outcome. Schedule a consultation now if you are searching for legal help from an experienced DUI lawyer who serves the San Francisco, CA area.