I’ve been arrested for a DUI, do I have any rights?

Drunken driving has been rightfully outlawed and offenders not only face legal repercussions such as jail time, fines, mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices, probation, community service etc. but also have to put up with undesirable social, professional, and personal consequences. All of this can cumulatively turn a person’s life upside down (not for the better).

Franklin County, DUI lawyers who, on a regular basis, see firsthand how offenders and their lives are affected by a DUI conviction stress the importance of constitutional rights that we all have as American citizens which we can exercise during or after a DUI arrest. If used in the right manner, this can save an innocent person from a wrongful DUI conviction. Thus it is imperative that we all understand what rights we have.

The Right to Remain Silent

This is a right that is overlooked and suspects often make statements that can be classified as self-incarcerating and could land themselves in a heap of trouble. It is helpful to remember that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You don’t have to answer any of the questions asked of you or make any statements at all, so you may simply remain silent or refer the law enforcement officer to your legal pro.

Unlawful Searches and Seizures

Ohio DUI attorneys reiterate that law enforcement officers may want to search your property for evidence. However, just because they are cops with shiny badges does not mean that they can do as they please. In order to search your property they either (in normal circumstances) require a search permit issued by a judge or they require your consent to do so.

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What Denzel Washington’s character (Det. Alonzo Harris) did in the movie Training Day was against the law. Harris broke the law repeatedly. He did not do what was right like Vic Mackey did in The Shield but that is another topic. Harris used a fake warrant, some brochure on a piece of paper, to search a home he knew had cash in it. He needed cash to pay a debt which is also another topic. For any police officer to search your home, car, or anything, they need a warrant or your consent. This is not Russia or Cuba, life matters here.

In this way, the constitution protects us from unlawful searches and seizures. Even your body is recognized legally as your property so this right even applies too when law enforcement officers want to obtain breath or blood samples from you for the purpose of sobriety testing and determining blood alcohol level contents.

If you do not have the power to say no then you may be needing a Franklin County, DUI lawyer in your life. 

If you have been run over by a dirty police officer or a sloppy police tactic, you need legal help. If you have been charged with a DUI, you need legal help for this too. Press right here DUI-USAttorneys.com. Contact us if you need any assistance in finding that one true lawyer.

Reasonable Suspicion to Stop

Once again, Franklin County, OH DUI lawyers stress the fact that police officers cannot enforce laws however they please. They have to abide with specific rules. One of these rules is that one cannot be pulled over for any apparent reason. Therefore, unless you are driving in an abnormal manner, breaking traffic laws, running stolen tags, or violating the traffic rules in any manner, then the law enforcement officer has no reason to stop you and will not pull you over (with the exception of in a DUI checkpoint situation).

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI then there are many ways in which you can defend yourself and beat your charge. However, you will need to consult an Ohio DUI lawyer as soon as possible.