A DUI or OVI arrest in Ohio is a scary, stressful, and confusing situation. For many people, it is the first time they’ve been arrested or faced any serious legal trouble. Due to the seriousness of a DUI arrest, it is imperative to respond and protect yourself as quickly as possible from the consequences associated with the crime.
Unfortunately, many people fail to make an appropriate response. Failing to take action after a DUI arrest can result in mistakes that can make conviction more likely.
The following are the most common mistakes a person can make after a DUI arrest:
- Failing to understand the true consequences of a DUI arrest – Ignoring the charge can be one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Doing nothing won’t mean the charge will disappear. Rather, it can make things much worse.
- Assuming you are guilty – Although your chemical test results may have been over the legal limit, that doesn’t mean that you are automatically guilty of DUI. Pleading guilty often leads to the maximum conviction and a permanent mark on your criminal record.
- Failing to get your driving privileges back – Drivers can face driver’s license suspension following both a BAC test showing results above .08 and a refusal to take a chemical test. If you fail to request a hearing to protect your license within the 30-day period, the BMV will automatically suspend your driver’s license.
- Failing to exercise your Miranda Rights – While you may think it is a good idea to speak with police in order to “straighten everything out,” this tactic hardly ever works. Everything you say can and will be used against you in court, so providing law enforcement with more details about your case can lead to more trouble.
- Not hiring a lawyer – With your freedom, reputation, and future at stake, you cannot afford to fight the charges on your own. There are numerous benefits to hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney, such as helping you understand the mistakes you must avoid to protect your rights. A lawyer can investigate your case, examine the evidence, determine all of your available legal options, and help you obtain the best results possible.
If you have been arrested for DUI or OVI in Ohio, contact our Cleveland DUI lawyer at Patituce & Associates today.
