When a police officer places you under arrest for drunk driving, you likely feel frustration and confusion. You may feel the urge to argue with law enforcement or represent yourself. However, making these mistakes after a DUI arrest will only make things worse for you.
If you say or do the wrong things while under arrest, you can face harsher DUI penalties under South Carolina law than you would otherwise. Here are three things you should never do when you are facing a potential DUI conviction.
1. Talk to the police
Do not say a single word to the cops. Take advantage of your right to remain silent. Avoid attempting to convince the police that you are innocent. Even making statements that may seem harmless can end up incriminating you. Other than providing the officer with your license and registration, avoid giving additional information, even if he or she is being nice to you.
2. Expect leniency by admitting guilt
You may have a plan for showing up for your court date and saying something along the lines of, “I am guilty. Punish me accordingly. I apologize and I vow to never drive drunk again.” This is not a smart strategy. You may have ways to defend your case and get charges reduced or dropped. If you simply admit guilt, you could face more punishments than necessary.
3. Represent yourself
Maybe you know someone who was arrested for a DUI. This person may offer you a lot of advice, but every case is different. Perhaps you have done research online about how to handle the details of a DUI case, but nothing will replace the legal counsel of an attorney. Attorney Adam Young can guide you through the specifics of your case and help you mount a viable defense.
Avoid these mistakes and you will have a better chance at reducing or getting out of your DUI charges.