Being pulled over for a DUI in Jacksonville, or anywhere, can be a very frightening and disconcerting experience. As the leading Jacksonville DUI lawyer, I want to make sure you are aware of your rights in this situation. Below are four mistakes people make if they are pulled over for a DUI in Florida.
1. Taking the sobriety test
You do not have to take the breathalyzer test. It is important to note that is required by law and if you do not take it the Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license. However, often by people taking the field sobriety tests or trying to talk the police out of being arrested, people talk themselves right into a conviction. If you refuse the field sobriety tests, you will likely be arrested, but then you are able to use a Jacksonville DUI lawyer to help you fight your case and for your rights without providing any additional information to law enforcement to be used against you in the future
2. Talking too much
Often times what you say at the time you are pulled over helps the police build a case against you for a DUI conviction. You should always be polite in these situations, but you should also say as little as possible. Aside from telling the police officer(s) who has pulled you over that you would like a lawyer, you should not be providing any other comments or information to law enforcement.
3. Taking the breathalyzer test because you are afraid of having your license suspended
If you refuse a breathalyzer test your license will be suspended by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. However, you are able to get a hardship driver’s license which would allow you to drive to work, to the doctor, to the store or any other life necessities which require a car within 30 days. In addition, your Jacksonville DUI lawyer, will request a hearing within ten days of your arrest at the DHSMV to challenge the license suspension due to breath test refusal. Better to have a license suspension than a criminal DUI.
4. Not realizing when you are being videotaped
During your time in the police car and while you are waiting to be booked into the jail, it is very likely that you are being videotaped. Anything recorded on these tapes can be used in a conviction against you.
If you have been arrested in Jacksonville for a DUI, call the DUI Jacksonville lawyer with the experience to fight your case and for your rights.
