“I want a Lawyer”

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009

DUI wasn’t a big thing twenty or thirty years in the past. As long as you didn’t cause an accident or no one was hurt, you will just be given some points on your license, small fine, probably a mandatory DUI Class, and one night to sober up in jail.

Today, however, things are different. First time offense can give you significant jail time, hefty fines in most courts, costly and extensive classes to attend, and probably some community service requirements. Some insurance companies even routinely cancel the car insurance if a person has a DWI or DUI conviction.

So what can you do to prevent all this? First of all, don’t try to explain anything to the police officer arresting you. Remember that “anything you say may be used against you…”

As soon as you are arrested, cooperate fully with the police officer and say these words “I want a lawyer.” These should be the first words as well as the last that goes out of your mouth. Then repeat these words often. It would help you avoid more problems and even stop the police officer from questioning you further.

A lawyer can minimize your sentence or even throw your case out of court. Of course, there are no guarantees, but without contacting a lawyer, it may be difficult or impossible to acquire leniency before the judge.

Tags: dui, DUI conviction, DUI offense, dwi, lawyer, police officer
Posted in dui, dui laws, dui lawyers | No Comments »