What Not to Say When Charged with a DWI
If you are pulled over and arrested for driving while intoxicated it is essential you protect your rights. People in Texas who are charged with a DWI face tough consequences. While you may believe if you admit you are intoxicated the whole event will go away quickly, that is not always true.
Recognizing there are some things you should not say when you are charged with a DWI is a path to protecting your rights. After an arrest, connect with an experienced Houston DWI lawyer to strategize your defense.
Do Not Say Too Much
If you are pulled over, do not discuss that you may be drunk with a law enforcement official. It is possible you are not, that if you did have a drink it was not enough to make you legally impaired. If you talk about the possibility of being intoxicated, it may be used against you later in court. And if the police ask you how many drinks you have finished, politely decline to answer.
It is common for people who are pulled over to be nervous. Then, because of their nerves, they talk to try to put themselves and the officers at ease. In reality, it is in your best interests to not say too much. You do not want to say anything incriminating.
Of course, you need to comply with the requests of the officer. After all, you do not want to make the situation more agitated and end up with an obstruction of justice charge. Simply stay calm and tell the truth. But being honest and polite does not mean you should answer every question asked without legal representation.
Field Sobriety Tests Can Be Unreliable
Field sobriety tests are not scientific and you do have a right to refuse to take them. These tests include walking toe-to-heel steps and turning, for example. If you pass a breathalyzer test and an officer decides you did not perform well enough on a field sobriety test, it can lead to an arrest. Because they are unreliable due to a variety of factors impacting a person’s balance, it is best to decline field sobriety tasks. There are times when they are administered or judged incorrectly.
It is important to take a DWI charge seriously. Do not dismiss it as no big deal. When you are charged you will be facing possible jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and a loss of your driving privileges. After an arrest connect with a seasoned Houston DWI lawyer without delay. An attorney can inform you of your rights, help you get ready for the hearings, need to reinstate your license and more.
Are you wondering how you or a loved one should proceed following a DWI charge in Texas? Our experienced legal team can defend you against criminal charges. We have the knowledge to protect you whether the alleged crime was minor or serious. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.
