If you have been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Alameda, you are facing a serious criminal charge that can have long-lasting affects on your life. It is important that at the time of your arrest you do not make any statements to the police that can be held against you. Other than providing the police with your name, address, driver's license, insurance information, etc., you want to be sure to limit the information that you provide. You are allowed to politely decline answering such questions as where you were coming from, where you were going, or whether or not you had anything to drink.
Additionally, you are not required to perform roadside aerobics. In other words, the police cannot force you to submit to field sobriety testing and it is in your best interests not to. Rarely does one “pass” a field sobriety test. The police simply are looking for more evidence to justify making an arrest.
What to Do First Following Your Release from Police Custody
Once you are released from police custody, it is important that you act quickly to ensure that your rights are protected. Firstly, upon your being arrested for drunk driving in Alameda, two cases are triggered — one with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and one with the court. You have only ten (10) days from the date of your arrest to request a hearing with the DMV.
If you have not already done so, you want to contact an experienced Alameda DUI attorney as soon as possible. An experienced Alameda criminal defense attorney can make the request for your DMV hearing and will be able to advise you as to what you should do next. While many believe that all is lost upon being arrested for drunk driving, it is important to realize that it is not. There are a number of defenses that can be utilized that can get charges lessened or dismissed entirely. It is possible to win an Alameda DUI case with the help of a knowledgeable Alameda DUI attorney.
We offer aggressive and experienced Alameda DUI representation. For years we have been helping individuals charged with drunk driving maintain their driving privileges and stay out of jail and we can help you! We offer free Alameda DUI case evaluations. Contact us today for yours!