Tips To Help You Avoid A DUI Charge
Getting a DUI in New York can be a scary thing. A DUI conviction comes with serious penalties. Even a first-time DUI conviction can have harsh consequences. If convicted of DUI for the first time in New York, you could spend up to one year in jail. On top of that, being convicted of DUI even for the first time could end up affecting your life for many years to come. For example, a DUI conviction can affect your chances of getting employment, housing or even loans in the future.
Considering all the harsh consequences that come with a DUI charge, it is crucial for you to do everything you can to avoid being charged with DUI. Nevertheless, if you have already been charged with DUI, do not despair. Instead, reach out to a skilled DUI attorney to discuss your legal options. An attorney can help you fight your DUI charges and have your charges dismissed or reduced.
So, how can you avoid a DUI? Below are a few things you can do to avoid a DUI charge.
Tip #1: Avoid Drinking and Driving
One of the best ways to avoid a DUI is to avoid drinking before driving. If it is possible, drink at home. If you have to drink at a bar, for instance, it would be best to arrange for transportation or have a non-drinking friend drive you home after you are done drinking.
Tip #2: Avoid Raising Suspicion
Police officers do not pull cars over randomly. A law enforcement officer must have a reason for pulling you over. For example, a New York police officer will pull you over if they have reasonable suspicion that you have violated the Vehicle and Traffic Law. An officer can also stop you if they have reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. Therefore, if, for instance, you follow all traffic rules, you will not give an officer a reason to stop you. If you don’t give an officer a reason to stop you, you won’t be subjected to a BAC test, which might end up leading to a DUI charge even if you were not drunk driving.
Tip #3: Avoid Being Rude to the Officer, but Keep Your Rights in Mind
If a police officer stops you, it is crucial that you avoid being rude to them. Even if the officer was not suspicious of drunk driving when they pulled you over, you might make them suspicious if you are rude to them. Be polite to the officer, but at the same time, avoid sharing information that might be used against you. If an officer asks you questions you feel might lead to a DUI charge, politely decline to answer. Remember, you have the right to remain silent. Also, remember you are not legally obligated to submit to a field sobriety test. So, you can politely refuse to submit to such a test even if an officer tells you that the test can help prove your innocence. If you submit to a field sobriety test when nervous, for example, you might perform poorly and end up being charged with DUI even if you were not drunk driving. Generally, a field sobriety test can be used to build a case against you.
Contact an NYC DUI/DWUI/DWAI Defense Attorney
If you are facing a DUI charge in NYC or anywhere in New York, do not hesitate to contact the experienced and dedicated NYC DUI/DWUI/DWAI attorney Mark I. Cohen, Esq. Call 212-732-0002 today to schedule a consultation.
Resource:
dmv.ny.gov/tickets/penalties-alcohol-or-drug-related-violations
