There probably isn't a sound a driver dreads more than the wail of a lighted police car trailing close.
If you have ever been stopped for a speeding offense or other traffic infraction, you know the frustration of sitting in your car while an officer runs your plates.
Worse yet, if you are pulled over under suspicious of driving while intoxicated, you will have to deal with a host of issues aside from a simple fine.
DUI, or DWI, is a misdemeanor charge, but depending on the severity of your case the punishment could range from suspension of your license to jail time.
If you find the charges you face could result in your going to jail, you definitely want to get in touch with a lawyer who will work to ensure a resolution that benefits you.
If you believe you were incorrectly charged with a DUI - for example, the police officer might have assumed you were intoxicated while you were not - your lawyer needs to know this, and every bit of information you can provide related to your arrest.
When an attorney meets with you for the first time to discuss your case, he/she is going to ask you several questions.
It is important to recall everything about your arrest and to answer truthfully in order to be treated fairly in court.
Here are just a few of the questions you will likely answer, so be prepared.
1) What were you doing or before the officer pulled you over? Had you come out of a bar or left a party? If you did have something to drink, regardless of whether or not you waited before getting in your car, your lawyer needs to know.
2) How much did you have to drink? The US recognizes a blood alcohol level of.
08% as being over the legal limit, though depending on where you live your state may convict at lower levels of intoxication.
3) Why did the officer initially stop you? Your arresting officer may have pulled you over for a different reason - maybe you ran a stop sign or red light, and the officer later suspected you of DUI.
Recall every detail to your attorney.
4) Did anybody witness the incident? Was there somebody in the car with you when you were stopped? Was somebody walking his dog near where you pulled over? Witnesses may be of assistance in your case.
It is important to reveal everything you remember to your lawyer, good or bad.
Your attorney's job is to ensure the court that you are cooperative, and to make sure you are treated fairly.
The more you know about your incident can help you in the long run.