Driving under the influence of alcohol (“DUI”) is a serious crime in Maryland. Aside from fines and possible jail time, a DUI conviction will have other serious life consequences. From eight to 12 points will be added to your driving record which will significantly increase your insurance costs. There may also be impacts on your employment, ability to obtain professional certifications and even gaining a lease for an apartment. Further, a conviction will serve as a sentencing enhancement for any future arrests/convictions. So, if you are being pulled over and potentially arrested for a DUI here in Charles County, Maryland, be careful and avoid the mistakes that we discuss below. If you are being charged with DUI, call top-tier Maryland criminal defense lawyers like the ones here at the Law Office of Robert Castro. Call us at (301) 870-1200. We are available around the clock, 24/7, and have offices in Waldorf, Maryland. Here are mistakes to avoid if you are being arrested for DUI.

Talking to the police beyond politely answering questions

You must politely answer questions posed to you by the Maryland police officers. But, do NOT answer questions about, for example, whether you have been drinking or anything related to a DUI charge. Even if your statements can be excluded from use at trial, any statements can be used to justify the traffic stop. At some point, just say: “I need to talk to a lawyer before answering any questions.”

Failing to call and hire a lawyer

This is a second mistake to avoid. Many wrongly think that a DUI charge is “no big deal.” As discussed above, a DUI charge IS a “big deal.” You want serious and professional legal assistance to avoid serious consequences. This is true if this is your first offense or a second or subsequent offense.

Trying to argue or negotiate your way out of the arrest

Do not make this mistake. Trying to “talk your way out” of being arrested will not work. This is common for people to try and Maryland police officers are immune to the efforts. Plus, this involves talking to the police which is a mistake we discussed above.

Being angry, belligerent, hostile, or threatening

It is a large mistake to do anything other than be polite to the arresting officers. If you are angry, belligerent, hostile, or threatening, you will likely be charged with resisting arrest. The legal standard for resisting arrest is very low. You do NOT have to try and hit or punch an officer. Being threatening is often enough. Even if the prosecutors do not think they can win a conviction, resisting arrest will still be charged on principle. Prosecutors will “protect” their officers and will be much less likely to engage in reasonable plea bargaining. In short, doing anything other than being police will only make matters worse.

Posting on Facebook or other social media afterward

What you say online can be used in court so it is best to avoid going online and uploading comments about your DUI arrest. If you say something like “I only had a couple of glasses of wine,” that can be used at your trial as an admission that you had been drinking.

Contact Waldorf, Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Robert Castro Today

This article has been provided by the Law Office of Robert Castro. For more information or questions, contact our office to speak to an experienced Maryland criminal defense lawyer at (301) 870-1200. We are Waldorf, MD, Criminal Defense lawyers. Our address is 2670 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601.