If you are planning on consuming alcohol this holiday season, be it either at a holiday party, family get-together, or any other reason, it’s important to ensure you do not drink and drive. Not only does this dramatically increase the risk of a devastating and potentially fatal accident, but it can also lead to being arrested and charged with driving under the influence.
There’s a reason why the DUI is one of the most dreaded criminal charges: the penalties can include jail time, large fines, license revocation, possible required installation of an ignition interlock device, steep legal fees, alcohol education classes, and more. These can be tremendously expensive, severely limit your freedoms, and even leave you with a permanent criminal record.
Here are some important tips to know if you are facing a potential DUI charge:
- If you are pulled over, you can answer questions and it is highly encouraged that you do so and be cooperative. However, you may also exercise your right to remain silent if the police are attempting to get you to incriminate yourself.
- You are required to submit to a blood alcohol test upon your arrest, be it by breathalyzer or blood test. Refusing to do so carries an automatic license suspension.
- You are not required to submit to a field sobriety test, regardless of the circumstances of your arrest. They can be used to prove your innocence, but they can also potentially incriminate you.
- If you are arrested and charged with a DUI, you will have a very limited amount of time in which to assemble your defense before your schedule hearing with the DMV. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you attempt to hire a skilled Hidalgo County DUI attorney. This is especially true for those who may be facing a repeat offender charge, as the penalties get even stricter, and potentially have life-long consequences.
Are you facing DUI charges? This holiday season, be sure you retain a DUI attorney who takes pride in helping his clients avoid the harshness of the criminal justice system. Attorney Rene A. Flores has helped numerous clients with their criminal charges, and becomes personally invested in the success of every case he takes. This allows him to fight to protect your rights utilizing an aggressive and proven litigation style.
If you need legal assistance this holiday season, call The Law Office of Rene A. Flores PLLC today at (956) 606-3606 for a free phone consultation. Have a safe and happy holiday season!