Follow This Advice to Beat a DUI Charge

While driving home after a night out with friends, you hear that all-too-familiar police siren. Upon handing your license, registration, and proof of insurance, the police officer looks at you suspiciously and asks you if you’ve had some drinks that night. What do you do?

When staring a potential DUI charge in the eye, many people start to panic. After all, Wisconsin law can be harsh when it comes to punishing DUI offenders. First-time offenders face a fine and a six to nine months license suspension. Repeat offenders face varying lengths of mandatory jail time on top of exorbitant fines and lengthy license suspensions.

Fortunately, DUI laws have many provisions that are designed to help you out, provisions you can take advantage of with the help of an experienced Waukesha attorney. Don’t forget that the burden of proving your guilt falls completely on the shoulders of the police, placing you at an advantage. Improve your chances of beating a DUI by keeping the following tips in mind:

Say as Little as Possible

Verbally invoke your right to remain silent every time. The police will attempt to ask you misleading questions to try to get you to incriminate yourself. Don’t fall for tricks hidden in the form of small talk. When an officer asks you for something other than your papers or your name, simply tell the officer as politely as possible that you wish to use your right to remain silent.

Be Cautious of Field Sobriety Tests

Field sobriety tests are not mandatory, and you have the right to refuse them—and for good reason. Many of the most common field sobriety tests are unreliable and gives the police officer the benefit of a judgment call. Resist the urge to clear your name right then and there. Even if field sobriety tests are inaccurate, the results gathered from them can still be used against you.

Ask for a Lawyer

If you are asked to follow the officer to the nearest police station, do so. Resisting arrest is a punishable crime, and will only complicate your DUI hearing. Once you reach the police station, however, immediately request to speak to a trusted Waukesha criminal defense attorney such as a lawyer from Huppertz & Powers, S.C. before submitting yourself to any tests or questioning.

Sources:

Sheriff’s Office: Six drunken drivers, including one repeat offender arrested during weekend patrols, Fox 6 News

Wisconsin DUI and OWI Laws, Fines and Penalties, NOLO