Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs affects your ability to protect other road users. Thus, when you are caught, you may face significant penalties. In California, it’s illegal for a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, 0.01% for drivers under 21 and 0.01% or more for commercial drivers.
If you are facing a DUI charge, you should make the right moves to defend yourself. Here are three mistakes to avoid.
Believing you don’t have a defense
When you are charged with a DUI, you can challenge it. Breathalyzer tests are machines that can be inaccurate – they may be poorly calibrated or have physical damages that can affect the results. Further, when field sobriety tests (FSTs) are poorly conducted, they may lead to the wrong results. And the police may stop you without reasonable suspicion.
Thus, you have a vast range of defense options. Believing you don’t, and choosing to pay fines, instead of fighting the charge can lead to significant consequences. The charge will go on your record, which can affect your employment opportunities and scholarship or college options if you are a student.
Talking to the police
When facing a DUI charge, it will help not to talk to the police. What you say can incriminate you. Therefore, only answer questions about your name, contact details and other general ones. If the police officer asks if you have been drinking or what you drank, politely decline to respond until you get legal help.
Posting on social media
Avoiding social media is a wise move when facing any charge, including a DUI. Your posts or comments can be used to incriminate you.
If you are charged with a DUI, it may be time to seek legal guidance to protect your record.