Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or other drugs can lead to significant penalties, including high fines, imprisonment and license revocation. In New Mexico, you can be charged with this crime if you are caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, 0.02% for drivers under 21 and 0.04% for commercial drivers.
Here are four things to avoid doing when charged with a DUI.
Hastily pleading guilty
It may not always be in your best interest to plead guilty at an early stage. It’s possible that you might be able to defend the charges by:
- Challenging the reliability of the testing equipment – poor calibration
- Challenging how the police officer conducted the test
- Proving you have a medical condition or had used medication/eaten food that led to the false positive
- Proving the stop was illegal
You have a vast range of defense options. Assuming you are guilty and pleading so may be a mistake.
Driving without a license
If license revocation was one of your penalties, you should avoid driving. It’s unlawful to drive without a license, and this can worsen your DUI charges if you are caught. While defending your case, consider using public transport or taxis. You may also request loved ones to drive you around.
Discussing your case
You never know who the police might interview during their investigation. Thus, avoid discussing your case or posting about it on social media. Anything you say can be used against you.
Ignoring the case
You should not overlook a DUI case, assuming it will go away. Doing so can subject you to avoidable consequences. It will be best to obtain more information about your case and start building a defense strategy.
If you are charged with a DUI, it may be time to consider legal guidance to protect your record.
