If you are arrested for a DUI in Tennessee, the consequences can be life-altering. You could lose your license, face significant fines, and even spend time in jail. It is essential to do things right, avoid making mistakes and be prepared for what’s going to come next. Today, we’ll discuss what you should do and what you should not do after a DUI arrest to ensure that you end up with the best possible outcome, which could even include getting the charges dropped.
Do Write down What Happened When You Were Arrested
The details of your arrest are going to be important, yet they will quickly lose clarity in your memory if you don’t write them down. In many legal cases, it is important to write down the details of a given event. When it comes to DUI cases, however, it’s a good idea to write down everything that you remember from the day of the arrest. Including everything that you did on that day can provide important clues to defending you against the charges.
For instance, if you can relate everything that happened during the day, and none of your activities included alcohol or drug use, then this will certainly be useful to know. Further, if you mention appointments, work, or people that you spent time with, you may be providing valuable information concerning witnesses who can verify what you say.
Beyond this, you will want to focus on the specifics of what occurred during your arrest. This will include anything that the arresting officer said to you, what tests were conducted, and what was said about those tests. Simply being able to clearly remember everything that happened during the day and during the arrest is going to help you a lot, so write it down.
Do Talk to a Dui Defense Attorney as Soon as You Can
It is important to seek the advice, guidance, and legal representation of a Tennessee DUI defense attorney at the earliest opportunity. You’ll want to be completely upfront and honest with your lawyer so that you can realistically view the options and goals of your case.
Do Know What to Expect from Your Case and Potential Consequences
In some cases, you can get the charges dropped, and in others, you can get them reduced. The options open to you are going to depend on the details of your case. You’ll be able to discuss the most likely and best possible outcomes with your attorney. If you had a high BAC at the time of your arrest and/or if anyone was injured or killed, then you probably won’t be able to get the charges dropped. Some cases are best resolved with a plea bargain. It all depends on your unique set of circumstances and what solutions will serve your best interests.
Do Be Careful About What You Say to the Arresting Officer
It is extremely common for people to bury themselves by saying the wrong things to the arresting officer. For example, someone might say, ‘I only had a couple of drinks.’ You may think that such a statement will indicate that you are under the legal limit to drive, but in reality, anyone who hears this will assume that you are not being truthful. It is extremely common for intoxicated people to deny intoxication by saying that they consumed less alcohol than they actually did. Further, simply admitting to having consumed alcohol at all is enough to warrant a sobriety test or a breath test. Be aware that anything you say can be used against you, and be very, very careful about what you say when you are pulled over and/or arrested.
We’ve already pointed out the importance of contacting an attorney, but it worth noting here that you should speak to an attorney before you answer any questions about what you had to drink when you consumed those drinks, and how they may or may not have impaired your driving. You should be informed of your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Speak up to invoke your rights, then wait until you talk to an attorney to say anything else.
Do Not Post Anything on Social Media
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Note that we did not say to simply avoid posting anything about your case on social media; rather, we said to not post anything on social media. This is because you may think that something is innocent, when it actually makes you look bad or even guilty. If you avoid social media altogether, you avoid any possibility of posting anything that could harm your case.
Of course, this is especially true when it comes to posts about your case, and you should absolutely avoid the temptation to post updates about what happened, what you’re trying to achieve, what your attorney says, or why you feel that you are innocent. The one thing you should do, involving social media accounts, is to remove any potentially incriminating posts, which includes anything you’ve shared or posted about drinking in general, drinking at specific parties or events, and/or drug use (including your thoughts on legalization of marijuana).
You can also speak to your friends and family and request that they avoid posting anything about you, your drinking, your case, or anything else that could be harmful.
Do Call Best, Hayduk & Brock for a Free DUI Consultation
The best thing that you can do for yourself when facing DUI charges is to seek a free consultation from a skilled DUI defense attorney in Tennessee. If you are confused or concerned about your rights, call today and let an experienced, skilled DUI attorney help to take the next steps. Facing any charge can stressful and troubling without the benefit of experience on your side. We will fight to protect your rights and provide you the information you need. Contact Best, Hayduk & Brock to learn more about your options.