Being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) can be a life-changing event. You could lose your license, face jail time, lose professional licenses, be ordered to pay a large fine, and be ordered to attend an alcohol rehabilitation class. Which is why if you’re arrested for a DUI in Massachusetts, it’s important to know how to protect your rights and what mistakes not to make moving forward. At the law office of Paul R. Moraski, we can help. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Being Pulled Over for Suspicion of DUI

If you are pulled over on suspicion of DUI, here’s a list of common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t submit to a field sobriety test. Under the law, you are not required to perform a field sobriety test, and your refusal is not indicative of your guilt. Politely tell the officer that you decline.

• Don’t consent to a search of your vehicle. Like a field sobriety test, this is not required, and you should say no if asked. 

• Don’t refuse to follow basic instructions. While you do have a right to refuse certain things, like a vehicle search or a field sobriety test, you should cooperate with officers and be polite. Being argumentative or refusing directions will not help your case. 

• Don’t provide more details than you’re asked. If a police officer is asking you questions, you should reply to the basic things—your name, your vehicle registration and insurance information, etc. You do not need to answer other questions that could contribute to a finding of guilt against you. 

Common Mistakes After Being Arrested

If you are arrested during a DUI/DWI stop, it’s important that you know your rights. Common mistakes at this stage in the process include:

• Pleading guilty before talking to an attorney or understanding the evidence that the prosecution has against you.

• Failing to take administrative action to prevent license suspension. Even if you haven’t been convicted, your driver’s license can be suspended based on a charge alone. You can take action to stop this by requesting an administrative hearing.

• Not hiring an attorney. Many people think that they can get off on a DUI/DWI charge on their own, especially if they’re actually truly innocent. But you shouldn’t take your chances. Working with an attorney is the best way to protect your interests and your rights in any criminal case. 

Get Help with Your Case: Call the Law Office of Paul R. Moraski Today 

To learn more about what to do if you’re facing DUI charges, call our Massachusetts DUI attorney today at the Law Office of Paul R. Moraski. Attorney Moraski has years of experience advocating for those facing DUI/DWI charges, and knows how to build winning cases. Call today at (978) 397-0011 or send us a message online to get started.