If you have been pulled over for a DUI case, then there are two approaches that you can take, in order to protect your rights before trial for the charges pressed against you. The first approach requires you to be proactive and address the situation that resulted in DUI charge on you. This approach has the possibility to minimize sentencing.
The second approach is to be more reactive and hence, deal with the DUI charge pledging that you are not guilty. In either of the two approaches, you should consult a DUI attorney Los Angeles CA who can help you with the case.
In case you are guilty of a DUI
If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you know that you are at fault, then the best thing you can do is accept the truth. Agree in front of the officer that you are guilty as charged. Voluntarily agreeing to the charges will make the officer think that you are sincere about DUI programs, and chances are that they will not write additional details on the report. Fewer details on the report will help you get less charges and hearing in the courts to deal with the case.
In case you are not guilty of a DUI
If you are not guilty of a DUI charges pressed against you, then it is better to start working your defence as early as possible. This is the time for you to hire a good DUI lawyer in Los Angeles who can help you to protect your rights and save you from the penalties. Find out if the officer has already performed the field sobriety tests and make a video of the result. This video is kept with the law enforcement agencies for almost 90 days.
At this point, you should send a letter to the agencies requesting them to preserve the video. You can then ask the lawyer to present this video to the jury. The jury will watch the video and know that you are not guilty of the case. Hence, he will save you from the charges. You need to be quick in performing all these activities. There is no point of contacting agencies once your license has been suspended already. Therefore, be as quick as possible and save yourself from penalties.
What if you license is suspended already?
Your license can be suspended for a number of reasons. These include your arrest, refusal to take a breath analyser test, etc. The best thing you can do in such situations after your license has been suspended is avoid driving unless you have obtained the occupational license.
If you are caught driving with a suspended license, then situation will get even worse. Authorities will build up a perception about you that you are not taking the DUI program and law seriously. They will put more charges against you and you may not be able to get license for up to 10 years. So, why get into all these troubles? Just hire a lawyer to relieve you of this situation.