Driving while under the influence of alcohol is never something you want to do, especially as it poses a risk to both you and anyone else in your car or on the road.
However, sometimes a lapse in judgment happens and mistakes are made. If you’ve been caught drink driving, then you’ll want to immediately seek legal advice and know exactly what you can expect.
1. Seek legal counsel immediately
A solicitor is important to have on your side when it comes to motoring offences, especially as serious as this one.
Premier DUI defense lawyers can advise you on your rights and any potential defenses you may have when it comes to the charge in question. They’ll also help you to understand the legal process and what you should expect.
Even if you have an intention to plead guilty, your lawyers will be able to advise you on how to approach your case for the best possible outcome.
2. Understand the process
Next, it’s to beneficial to get an understanding of the process that comes with drink driving and what you may have to need to be prepared for. From the police investigation to the legal interview and court appearance.
For police investigations, you will likely have been tested at the roadside and then taken into the police station. Here you’ll have a legal interview with your lawyer, so that you can be prepared for the police interview itself
Finally, you’ll have the court appearance where you may be summonded to court. Your solicitor will represent you here and present your case.
3. Consider your defense strategies
Every charge or accusation being made is going to have a different defense strategy to hopefully help the defendent in the best way possible.
When it comes to drink driving offences, it’s good to discuss with your solicitor, what the best form of defense strategy would be. This could be technical defenses, where unlawful arrests might be warranted to pursue or factual defenses where challenges may be a possibility to put forward.
4. Understanding potential penalties or convictions
Finally, you’ll want to get a good understanding of what potential penalties or convictions will be levied against you. For some, a driving ban might be implementing depending on alcohol levels. Fines might be incurred too. For some cases, a custodial sentence might be considered and rehabilitation courses may be offered.
5. Be prepared for court
It’s important to prepare for court with as much detail and preparation as possible. For guilty pleas, your solicitor will be able to guide you through the process and hopefully help negotiate a lighter sentence.
A not guilty plea will involve your solicitor building a defense. This will be more time-consuming but may also lead to a number of outcomes, both in favor and not in favor of the defendant depending on which way the pendulum swings.
Being caught drink driving is not the best situation to happen in life but it can be a sobering experience should you get off lightly. Make sure to follow these tips should you ever be in the unfortunate situation or a loved one finds themselves in, in the future.
