How to Avoid a Conviction for DUI

On a night out with friends, family, or coworkers, the last thing on most people’s mind is getting a DUI. But as the spirits are flowing, that’s exactly what many people wind up facing.

Don’t let one bad decision on a night out change your future. Instead, prepare now to avoid a DUI and understand the steps you can take to protect yourself if you find yourself facing these charges.

In this brief guide, our top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan have shared a few tips for avoiding a DUI.

Tip 1: Don’t Consent to a Field Sobriety Test

When you are issued your driver’s license, in the state of Florida you are consenting to a breathalyzer test. But what many people don’t know is that you are not consenting to a field sobriety test, and you are not legally obligated to do so. These tests are designed for failure. The complicated nature of the tests coupled with your anxiety by your circumstances will make it nearly impossible for you to perform to law enforcement’s expectations.

If you have already taken a field sobriety test, attorney Tim Sullivan can review your DUI video to determine if your tests were properly administered and fairly interpreted. Since he has received the same field sobriety test training as law enforcement, Sullivan can help guide you after taking a field sobriety test. However, you do not legally need to do a field sobriety test if you are not comfortable doing so.

Tip 2: Don’t Incriminate Yourself on Social Media

Using social media is a great way to share what’s going on in your life, but in some cases, it can be an easy way to incriminate yourself. For example, if you have a public Instagram page and have posted photos of yourself and your friends drinking heavily, taking shots, or even just having a beer together, and are then arrested and charged with a DUI, those images can come back to haunt you in court.

To protect yourself from harming your chances of defending against a DUI successfully, make sure that your social media privacy settings are up-to-date and that images of you drinking or participating in drug use are private. Although you may not have been feeling drunk at the time, if you blew over the legal limit in a breathalyzer and have social media images that depict you drinking during the same time period, you may have unintentionally harmed your own case.

Tip 3: Know Who to Call

Even if you have done everything right, you still might find yourself facing DUI charges. If you do, you’ll need to know which DUI attorneys in Clearwater can handle your case without adding additional stress to your plate.

In many cases, our team at Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan can work to get your DUI charges reduced to reckless driving. Our team can also help you apply for a hardship license and get you back on the road if your license has been suspended.

If you’re facing DUI charges, you need the top DUI lawyers in Clearwater with Russo, Pelletier & Sullivan. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Request a FREE consultation today by giving us a call at (727) 578-0303, or submitting our consultation request form.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

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How to Avoid a Conviction for DUI

Tip 1: Don’t Consent to a Field Sobriety Test

Tip 2: Don’t Incriminate Yourself on Social Media

Tip 3: Know Who to Call

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CONSULTATION

St Petersburg Office:

Clearwater Office:

How to Avoid a Conviction for DUI

Tip 1: Don’t Consent to a Field Sobriety Test

Tip 2: Don’t Incriminate Yourself on Social Media

Tip 3: Know Who to Call

FREE CONSULTATION

St Petersburg Office:

Clearwater Office:

FREE
CONSULTATION