Being pulled over for DUI? As per FBI 2022 crime report data, there were 7,125 DUI arrests in a single year. This report clearly states that DUI holds the maximum arrests with a zero tolerance and quick action for drunk drivers. It can be an overwhelming experience, making you unbelievably stressed. You have a family to look after and a job to do, and certainly, a DUI arrest can hold you potentially behind bars that will affect your life. Without any delay, you must get in touch with a DUI defense firm in Mississippi to mitigate the consequences and achieve favorable verdicts. However, whenever you get pulled over for a DUI, there are a few things that you can avoid to dodge a DUI arrest.
In this blog, we are going to cover some common mistakes that you need to avoid making it easy for your Mississippi DUI defense lawyer to minimize your consequences and achieve dismissals for you. So, let’s get started with some useful tips that will empower you to navigate through the complexities of your DUI case.
What is a DUI or DUI arrest?
DUI, in the simple language of a DUI attorney in Mississippi, is driving under the influence of alcohol. In Mississippi, driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime that is not only a hazard to you but can also risk the lives of people around you. The police conduct several tests, searches, and seizures by pulling you over on the road when they suspect anyone abnormal on the road.
Sometimes, the pullover followed by the test is a routine program to minimize DUIs and increase awareness among the public. Primarily, the most common test for a DUI conviction is a breathalyzer test. In this test, the police find out the blood alcohol content in your body to conclude your arrest. Anyone in Mississippi with a BAC of more than 0.008% will get arrested with a DUI charge. So, you must hire a Mississippi DUI lawyer with incredible experience and a stronghold like the law firm of Tangi Carter & Associates P.A. to get the best and optimal results for DUI arrests.
Following your conviction and DUI arrest, you have to go through several police procedures and court proceedings that can eventually lead you to trial. All these processes can be shattering as they put your time and reputation at stake. In such cases, you need qualified legal representation like the one we provide to integrate the best Mississippi DUI defense strategies and achieve the most desirable outcomes.
Now that you are clear about DUI and what a DUI arrest is, let’s move on to the mistakes that you most commonly make whenever it is your first DUI offense.
Common mistakes that you must avoid when pulled over or arrested for DUI
Admitting your fault or producing a statement to the police
Criminal defense is a much vaster subject than you think. Your DUI defense lawyer implements several Mississippi DUI defense strategies to prove your innocence at any cost. These strategies include questioning the police reports and proving the errors in breathalyzer devices and readings to make sure you get a fair chance and advantage from the court. However, when you admit your guilt and make statements to the police about driving under the influence of alcohol while you are interrogated, they make a huge difference in the results.
After admitting your crime, it becomes nearly impossible for your Mississippi DUI defense lawyer to get your charges dropped. Your statement serves as direct evidence to the court that the prosecution can use an argument.
While getting pulled over, you should also make minimal body movements and interactions with the police. It is because the police use a body camera to record footage of your behavior during an inspection. So, whenever you get pulled over for a DUI, stay as silent as possible.
Not taking the charges seriously
The next most common mistake that most people arrested for DUI do is take the charges lightly. The DUI offenses in Mississippi law are categorized into different types that offer different consequences. Most people with a first DUI offense often get a minimal penalty. So, they don’t take it seriously and commit a second offense, which has a greater impact on their lives. Some people also think of DUI as a traffic ticket. However, the consequences and repeated offenses can have you behind bars for a significant period of time, followed by heavy fines. So, you must take these charges seriously.
Providing additional information to the police
Most people make this mistake the most often. While getting pulled over by police, it is quite evident that many of you get nervous. And in this anxiety, you express way too much that you must not. This additional information helps the police record statements that might work against you in the trial. So, you must remain as calm and confident as you can.
Failing to seek a professional DUI lawyer
Most people don’t even hire a DUI attorney in Mississippi when they get charged with a DUI offense. Neglecting the hiring of an attorney has several setbacks. You can miss important court dates, misunderstand your DUI charges, and also won’t acknowledge the potential defenses. So, hiring a proficient and qualified Mississippi DUI lawyer is a must. Failing to hire a good attorney will no doubt bring you more complexities and severe consequences.
Miss the court dates and the hearings.
This is the worst-case scenario that you can expect. Forgetting your court dates and appearance in the trial will have damaging repercussions for your future. The court will find you irresponsible, add more charges, and may even issue a warrant for your arrest immediately. So, you must never miss the court dates. Hiring a DUI defense firm in Mississippi will be the best decision, as they will be guiding you through each court process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these are some common mistakes that you must avoid while getting pulled over or arrested for DUI. Now that you are aware of what not to do, you should also be more cautious and alert by hiring a DUI defense lawyer. At the law firm of Tangi Carter & Associates P.A., we provide you with a strong DUI defense with our extensive year of experience in Mississippi court.
Contact the law firm of Tangi Carter & Associates P.A. today!
Arrested for DUI? Don’t hesitate! Get immediate assistance with the best possible strategy to defeat the prosecution. Call us at 601-544-1313 or send us an email at admin5@tangicarterlaw.com. We will get back to you as soon as possible with a free consultation.