5 Tips to Handle a DWI

If you are interested in learning 5 tips to handle a DWI, you have come to the right place!

A DWI can be a stressful experience, from being pulled over to the potential consequence. In fact, you might not even have done anything purposefully, simply being unaware of how a prescribed medication affects you. Under other circumstances, it might be even more serious and dangerous. Regardless, there are certain things you should keep in mind.

Make the Smart Choice

While the best choice is to understand how your body reacts to medications and other substances, this is not the smart choice here. If you get in a situation where officers are questioning your sobriety, remain calm no matter the cause or situation. The worst thing you can do is panic and become your own worst enemy.

You can remain silent when asked questions such as what you have been drinking, smoking, taking, etc. You have that right, though you should never act confrontational. Do not give them more information than they already have, such as the smell of alcohol and other obvious signs.

Skip the Sobriety Tests

This is especially important if you’re driving while influenced by something aside from alcohol. You must cooperate with your license and other documentation, but you do not have to take any tests. This includes a breathalyzer. These are all tests you can refuse and should refuse.

Even if you are sober, refuse the field sobriety tests. Even if you do well, it accomplishes nothing. If you have had nothing to drink, consider the breathalyzer if prompted.

Immediately Request an Attorney

Do not say anything without an attorney present, and demand a DWI attorney before answering any questions. Even if someone tries to convince you otherwise, stick to your guns. Even if you have done nothing wrong, speaking to a professional is a smart choice. After all, you do not know much about the process, and you might make a mistake.

Additionally, an attorney can advise you on your next step, which might include asking to be released to attain an independent blood test. You want your own proof as soon as possible to combat any potential charges. As with every step, stay calm and make the best choices for yourself.

You might also be advised to note down your own memory of the events, ensuring what happened from your perspective is kept in focus.

Once you have made it through the arrest, whether you are let go or kept in jail, consider contacting an attorney specialized in this type of case, if you have not already.

Gather Your Own Evidence

You want to have your own set of evidence prepared for trial. The goal is to make a strong case for yourself instead of being defensive the entire time. A good attorney will walk you through the steps, but a few things to consider gathering are:

The reason for your arrest
Witnesses who can speak on your behalf
Your blood test and breathalyzer results

You want to gather everything you could need before trial. In addition, you should be aware of logistics such as when and how to post bail, how to go about finding the right attorney and other such factors.

Prepare Yourself

The upcoming trial will be an arduous process. Prepare yourself by doing things like finding a bail bondsman and deciding how you will plead. Furthermore, reach out for support if you need it.

Conclusion

The best choice is to not get a DWI to begin with. However, if you do, stay calm. Begin by knowing your rights and acting upon them during the stop. Then, get a lawyer and prepare your case. Finally, don’t forget about the rest of your life. It might be impossible not to stress, but you should do everything you can to minimize the impact.