Drivers never plan on being pulled over for DUI, but more than 60,000 people are arrested for DUI in Florida annually. People arrested for DUI in Miami-Dade County and elsewhere throughout Florida are typically not hardcore drinkers but ordinary people from all walks of life including teachers, firefighters, small business owners and other people just like you. For many, a DUI arrest is a person’s first contact with the police or criminal justice system. Because a DUI conviction can have serious consequences and result in the loss of your freedom, damage to your reputation, significant fines and other costs, probation and other penalties, it is important to know what to do if you are stopped for DUI in Miami-Dade County. We have provided some key things you should do/not do if you are subject to a Miami-Dade County DUI stop.
Do Not Volunteer Incriminating Information: Many drivers think a little bit of honesty may help them. Motorists who are pulled over for DUI will often volunteer all kinds of damaging information including admitting that they have been drinking, apologizing for doing so and indicating they know that they made a mistake. These statements will only help the officer arrest you. Your best option is to provide license and registration but politely decline to answer other questions without an attorney.
Do Not Agree to Take Field Sobriety Tests or a Portable Breath Test: Many people stopped for DUI in Miami-Dade County presume that they are required to submit to these tests. In fact, you are not required to take Field Sobriety Tests or a breath test involving a portable breath test device when you are stopped. These tests are given simply to build enough evidence to arrest you. You should politely decline these tests if asked to participate.
Do Assert Your Right to an Attorney If Arrested: If you are taken into custody, you should immediately indicate that you do not want to answer any questions without an attorney. It is not enough to simply remain silent. You need to actively assert your right to have an attorney present during any questioning related to a Miami-Dade County DUI.
Do Retain a Qualified and Experienced Miami-Dade DUI lawyer: There are many defenses that are successfully employed by a good DUI attorney. The attorney may challenge the legal basis for your initial stop, testimony about the observations of the officer during the stop, field sobriety testing and breath test results along with many other issues related to the procedural handling of your DUI stop and arrest. The sooner you retain an experienced Miami-Dade County attorney the better your chances of staying out of jail.
Do Not Attempt to Represent Yourself: The jails are filled with people that try to represent themselves in DUI cases. The prosecutor is in court daily handling hundreds of cases and has a legal education. The average layperson has no chance of being successful against an experienced prosecutor.
If you are stopped and arrested or charged with DUI, our experienced Florida DUI defense law firm can help you if you face DUI charges in Miami-Dade County. We are ready to fight for your rights and your freedom so call us today.
Call 1 (800) 687-2252 For a Free Consultation With a Miami-Dade County DUI Lawyer
Hiring a Florida DUI attorney to aggressively defend you can help you obtain the best possible result in your case. Call our toll-free, Florida DUI Helpline at 1 (800) 687-2252 or search our Florida DUI Lawyer directory for a law firm near you (by appointment only).
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