10 Things You Should Know When Facing Houston DUI Charges
Part 1
“What should I know about my situation?”; is the most common question we get from many of our DUI clients. Below is a list of what we recommend when dealing with a DMV or criminal DUI case.
1. Do Not Talk to The Police
Once you are charged with driving under the influence offense, you have little to nothing you can say to make the police drop the charges. Similarly, you have nothing you can do or say to prevent the prosecutor from pursuing the matter after you are arrested.
You might have a solid alibi or adequate evidence supporting your innocence, but it is best not to speak with the police once they charge you with a DUI offense. Being arrested often signifies the police believe you are lying or fabricating your evidence. Hence, we recommend preserving any evidence or what you have to say in your defense for your lawyer, who will determine the best course moving forward.
Avoid talking to the police or prosecutor without your attorney present. Exercise your legal right to a lawyer, letting the police know you decline speaking or answering any questions until your lawyer is present.
2. Call The DMV The Soonest Possible
The criminal case begins when the DA’s office files charges after receiving and reviewing the police report. This can take some time, as the prosecutor has one year from the date of arrest to file charges. The police will typically give you a date to return to court for your initial court appearance when you are released from jail.
On the other hand, it is best that you request a hearing for your DMV APS case, which must be within 10 days from when you were arrested. Failure to request the hearing within the stipulated period will result in the automatic suspension of your driving license. Therefore, you must call the number printed on the pink temporary (provisional) license you received from the police after they release you from jail. Also, consider contacting us immediately if you need help with this; we will take you through what is required when requesting the hearing.
3. Contact An Experienced DUI Lawyer
You probably might be battling with lots of questions after being arrested for a DUI. It probably is why you are researching DUI charges and reading this article. You might fight the answers you seek after consulting a reputable and experienced attorney. Most DUI lawyers offer a free initial consultation, but it is best to pick one specializing in DUI cases because they can be complicated.
We offer free, confidential consultations you can be confident of telling us every detail of what happened. The information you share will not be used against you. Call us today for a free initial consultation if you are arrested for a DUI in Houston. Our team of law professionals is ready to answer any questions you might have and advise you on what to do to safeguard your chances of getting your charges dropped. Visit our blog for more related articles. Click here for the second article in this series.