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3 Things To Do When Facing DWI Charges

Think about what happens when you commit a minor driving offense. A police officer pulls you over and asks to see your license and registration. Depending on the reason you were pulled over, you may be issued a traffic ticket or simply a verbal warning. Either way, once you have received your ticket or your warning, you will be allowed to continue on your way.

Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the Ozarks


DUI Charges Are A Different Story

Being pulled over under suspicion of drunk driving is a very different scenario. If the officer suspects you of driving under the influence, he will carefully watch all of your actions and pay close attention to everything you say. If he believes you may be intoxicated, he may ask you to perform a field sobriety test or submit to a breathalyzer test. Depending on the results of these tests (and/or whether or not you refuse the tests, which is within your legal rights), you may be arrested under suspicion of drunk driving. This means that within a matter of minutes, you may go from driving home after a party to riding straight to the police station.

What To Do When Facing DWI Charges

A DWI arrest is a serious issue. It’s not a simple traffic ticket that will result only result in minor fines and a point or two on your driving record. Instead, a DWI arrest leads to a rigorous trial process wherein the judge will ultimately decide whether or not to convict you of drunk driving – a conviction that, if rendered, will stay with you forever. If you are facing DWI charges, we encourage you to take the following steps as soon as possible.

1. Contact A DUI Defense Attorney
Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the OzarksFirst and foremost, it is important to contact a DUI defense attorney as quickly as possible. As we mentioned, a DWI arrest often leads to criminal charges for driving while intoxicated, so it is important to secure quality legal representation from an experienced DWI defense attorney. By contacting your attorney early on in the process, you will be able to get more than just representation in court – you will also have access to sound legal counsel to guide you along the way.

2. Take Notes Of Everything That Happened The Night Of Your Arrest
The more your attorney knows about the circumstances surrounding your arrest, the better-equipped he will be to defend your position. Time has a way of blurring details, so we recommend you take notes of everything that before, during, and immediately following the arrest. Examples of details to make note of include:

  • How much you had to drink
  • How much time passed between your last drink and the time you were arrested
  • Information you told the police officer
  • If/when you were read your Miranda rights
  • The officer’s behavior during the arrest
  • What (if any) instructions you were given and how you responded
These notes will help your attorney to get a complete understanding of the details surrounding your arrest. Remember to be completely honest with your attorney when sharing this information.
 
3. Watch What You Say
If an officer suspects you of drunk driving, he will likely do and say things he believes will make you more likely to admit to the crime. Be cautious of the things you say to an officer, since (as he will inform you when he reads you your rights) anything you say can be used against you. Admitting to driving while intoxicated can make it extremely difficult to secure a lighter sentence. Lying to a police officer is never a good idea, however. If you are unsure of how to answer a question, remember that you are not required to answer any questions before you have had an opportunity to consult with your attorney. Respectfully inform the officer that you wish to invoke your right to speak with an attorney before answering any further questions.
 
Deputy & Mizell, LLC Is Here To Help You Fight Your DWI Charges
 

Drunk driving is a criminal act with serious, long-term consequences. Our experienced drunk driving defense attorneys have successfully defended hundreds of individuals in the face of multiple charges, including open bottle, minor in possession charges, prior offender and persistent offender cases, first offense DWI, breath or blood test refusal, and more. If you are facing DWI charges, we hope you’ll consider contacting one of our team members as quickly as possible. Your initial consultation with our DWI defense firm in Mid-Missouri is always free.

Contact Deputy & Mizell, LLC

Deputy & Mizell, Injury Attorneys near Lake of the Ozarks
Representing Clients Across the Lake of the Ozarks Region


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