Avoid a DUI in 2016
New reports continue to surface showing a decrease in the overall DUI arrests in the state of Arizona for the third straight year. There were just over 24,000 DUI’s in 2015 compared to 29,000 in 2014. While that is definitely a step in the right direction, it will most likely encourage both law enforcement departments and Arizona lawmakers that their system is working. Don’t expect the crackdown on DUI’s to let up anytime soon.
If you’ve already experienced the consequences of a DUI in the past, you know how disrupting and inconvenient it can be. Not only will you end up spending at least one day in jail, but you’ll also have to pay heavy fines and the expenses of having a breathalyzer device installed in your car.
The best strategy is to simply avoid a DUI altogether. Here we share some ideas on how to do that based on the advice from the countless number of DUI clients we’ve represented over the years:
1. Give Your Keys to Someone Who Isn’t Drinking
We all know that having a designated driver is the best solution for avoiding a DUI incident, but it’s not always at the front of our minds as we head out to catch a game or enjoy a night out. If worrying about a designated driver isn’t on your list of to-do’s, just be sure to simply give your car keys to someone who isn’t drinking. They may not end up being your driver, but at least you won’t have those keys with you at the end of the night.
2. Call a Cab
There are dozens of taxi services in the Phoenix metro area. They are easier to get in touch with than you think and are a great solution to driving even if you’ve only had a little to drink. The expense of a cab home is much less than the expense of dealing with a DUI. Keep a number to a local cab company in your contacts on your phone, on a piece of paper in your wallet or purse, or just ask. The staff at bars and restaurants are sure to have phone numbers for a taxi on hand and will probably even call one for you.
3. Avoid Talking When Pulled Over
If you do choose to drive after drinking and are pulled over, remember that the less you say the better. You can still be polite to the officer that pulled you over, but keep in mind that that officer has been trained to ask questions to get you to admit your guilt. The less you speak, the less chance you have to incriminate yourself.
4. Call an Attorney
A DUI arrest does not always turn into a DUI conviction. There are some circumstances where lack of evidence or violation of rights can result in the dismissal of your DUI case. The best thing you can do when pulled over for DUI is to call your attorney as quickly as possible. When you get in touch with Naegle & Crider, we can give you advice on what to do next no matter what stage of the DUI arrest you are in.
The sooner you are in touch with our office, the better chance we have of helping you avoid a DUI. If you or someone you know has been arrested of DUI, call Naegle & Crider at 480-245-5550 day or night.