Law Enforcement Officers, Prosecutors and Judges are not looking out for your best interests when you are charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI). These people are under tremendous pressure from their superiors to make more arrests, get more convictions and hand out stiffer sentences. An offense that may have been overlooked a few years ago may be zealously prosecuted in today's world. Any time you, a friend or a loved one is charged with DUI, you must take it very seriously!
When you are charged with DUI, or convicted, you are at risk for any or even all of these outcomes:
Jail time
Criminal record
Loss of drivers license
Possible loss of your job
Large fines
Increased insurance rates
Required dependency treatment
Points against your drivers license
Drivers license surcharges
Other punishments that result from a DUI charge or conviction
The ramifications can hurt entire families and seriously strain relationships with friends and loved ones. Always seek quality representation for anyone you know who is charged with DUI.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Watch What You Say – It Will Be Used Against You
Being placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI is a very serious matter. You will be booked and processed as a common criminal with the results going on your public record for many years in most states. Depending on the timing of the arrest you may also wind up spending one or more nights in jail.
If you find yourself in this situation, or if someone you care about does, it is very important to remain silent until you speak with an attorney. Absolutely anything you say might be used against you during court proceedings. This applies not only to the officer who made the arrest, but also to anyone you happen to talk with during processing and incarceration (jail), even others you may be sharing a jail cell with. Always keep in mind that cameras are everywhere in these situations. From the police car to the jailhouse virtually everything you say and do may be recorded.
Before talking with an attorney, never admit your actions were unlawful, do not ask to be given a break and do not express remorse. Do not try to bargain for better treatment or inquire about what punishment you may receive. Never volunteer any information about the situation to anyone except your attorney. If anyone attempts to question you while under arrest, simply be polite and inform them that you have been instructed by your attorney not to speak with anyone without your attorney present.
Of course, it is always best to avoid being arrested, if at all possible. If you are stopped, however, always follow the guidelines available in the TixNix Glove Box Guide to Traffic Stops:
Always be respectful and polite when engaging a police office during a traffic stop.
Do not argue with the officer or attempt to "talk your way out".
Do not admit to a violation (like "I know I was speeding" or "I've had a couple of beers").
Do not give the officer permission to search your vehicle.
Remain calm and cooperate with the officer to the extent you can without violating other rules.
If you are arrested, contact a qualified attorney as soon as possible and speak with no one regarding the matter until you have been instructed to by your attorney.
Your Drivers License
Many states have the right to revoke your drivers license BEFORE you are convicted of a DUI charge. This is a serious matter that must be dealt with. If you are charged with DUI, it is best to contact a qualified DUI attorney right away so that you may take the proper steps to keep your drivers license. In some cases, you may be able to secure a provisional license that will allow you to drive to work and deal with other necessities. [Learn More]
Your Personal Reputation
Face it – a DUI arrest and conviction will create a social and legal stigma. People may assume you have a dependency issue, think you are not trustworthy or reliable, and may even treat you as a criminal. A DUI arrest and conviction may affect the outcome of child custody hearings and be the basis for lawsuits and other legal troubles. Don't gamble with your future – insist on quality legal representation if you are charged with DUI. You simply have too much to lose.
Your Job
A DUI arrest or conviction can cause you to lose your current job and even prevent you from getting a new one. Even if you don't drive a car or truck for a living, having your license revoked or suspended can interfere with your ability to get to work and perform the duties required by your job. DUI arrests and convictions are matters of public record and will show up on background checks. This may also make the difference in getting a new job or promotion. Remember, a qualified DUI attorney can help you maintain the cleanest record possible and even help you get a provisional drivers license if yours has been suspended or revoked.
Many states use point systems where traffic violations result in "points" being applied to your drivers license. An accumulation of points can result in suspensions, revocations and surcharges that must be paid in order for you to keep your license in force. These stringent programs operate independent of any DUI legal proceeding and must be considered as part of your defense strategy.
DUI arrests and convictions can also cause you to lose your car or truck insurance or make your insurance so expensive that you can not afford to drive anymore. Always seek a qualified DUI attorney as soon as possible to help you avoid or deal with these issues.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is TixNix?
TixNix is a national network of Traffic Attorneys. Our attorneys handle cases involving DUI, DWI, OUI, Tickets, Suspended Licenses, CDL, Traffic Accidents, Drivers License Points and Surcharges. We help keep drivers on the road and their records clean. Our attorneys know what you are facing when you are charged with DUI, and TixNix attorneys are able to use the resources of our entire Attorney Network to fight the charges against you and protect your right to operate your car or truck.
What do I do if I'm arrested?
Have a friend or loved one contact TixNix right away. Our attorneys can help you make arrangements to get out of jail as soon as possible and begin planning your defense. Don't wait! Your arrest creates a limited timeframe in which to get your license back and fight the charges against you. The sooner a TixNix attorney can protect your rights, the better off you'll be.
Why should I use TixNix to fight my DUI?
TixNix makes it easy to get the help you need! Our Free Consultations are designed to help you, whether or not you decide to retain a TixNix attorney to handle your case. Every TixNix user receives a free, private TixNix account which can be used to communicate with your TixNix attorney, access additional information about your case, share paperwork, handle billing and keep track of what is going on with your defense. Additionally, TixNix can help you with all of your driving-related needs – not just DUI. Traffic tickets, suspended licenses, drivers license points and surcharges, and license suspension and revocations can all be handled by your TixNix attorney.
When should I contact TixNix?
Any time you are ticketed, arrested or charged with DUI, or any other moving violation, contact TixNix right away. Use our toll-free number (877.TIXNIX.3) or go to our web site to connect with an attorney who can help you. All of our attorneys offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and help you make the best decisions to protect yourself.
What do I get with my Free Consultation?
Your Free consultation with a TixNix lawyer serves several purposes. First, you will be informed of the challenges you face in dealing with the charges against you. Second, the TixNix attorney will evaluate your case and inform you of what he or she can do to help. Third, if you decide to retain your TixNix attorney you will begin plotting your case strategy and begin taking steps to protect your rights.
How can I keep my drivers license?
Many states revoke or suspend your drivers license in the event of a DUI arrest or DUI charges. This typically occurs BEFORE you have a chance to challenge the charges in court! This is a serious matter that must be dealt with. If you are charged with DUI, your best bet is to contact a qualified DUI attorney right away so that you may take the proper steps to keep your license. TixNix attorneys know how to file the proper paperwork with the court to request a hearing about your license suspension and can represent you at that hearing.
If your license has already been revoked, your TixNix attorney can take steps to get your license back, either permanently or temporarily, so that you can drive to work, take care of your children or handle other responsibilities. Your TixNix attorney can also help you fight the charges in court in order to get the charges dismissed or reduced, and to get your license back.
If you receive a letter from the DMV, have been involved in an auto accident or your state has refused to issue you a drivers license, just go online or call TixNix. Driving regulations can be complex and many times unfair, so you should never trust the system to look out for your rights! Our experience is that public officials are more interested in revenue than law enforcement – and many of their so-called "crackdowns" are politically motivated. Protect your driving record and stay on the road by using TixNix every time.
How do I fight the charges against me?
First, you need to retain a qualified attorney to handle your case. DUI laws, regulations and procedures are complex and very dependant on where you are charged. A TixNix attorney can help you decide on a course of action that is best for your case. Second, never plead or assume you are guilty because a law enforcement officer says you failed a test. Field sobriety tests depend on a police officer's subjective assessment, and performance can be affected by many factors besides alcohol level. Breathalyzer tests are highly controversial as law enforcement continues to deny independent testing and evaluation of the devices. Additionally the tests return many false positives in a variety of circumstances, and so "failing" a breathalyzer test is not a conclusive indication of guilt. Blood and urine tests also have their limitations and can be challenged in court.
Don't be Fooled
Remember, the system is set up to convict you! Police officers, prosecutors and judges are not looking out for your best interests and are not trying to be "fair". By its very nature our legal system is adversarial, and that means you definitely want someone on your side fighting for your rights to ensure the best outcome for you.
Don't become a statistic! Fight DUI charges in court with the help of your TixNix attorney.
