Do I Need An Attorney For a DUI Arrest After a Car Accident?

Car Accident Lawyer

If you were recently arrested at the scene of a car accident on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol, then yes, you absolutely do need a DUI attorney in DC. And, you don’t just need any attorney, it is best for you to consult with one that has many years of experience representing clients in criminal defense cases. Being found supposedly drunk when a car accident happened may automatically make you look guilty in the eyes of the police officer.

While it may be tempting, do not try to claim your innocence to the officer as you are being placed in handcuffs. If a police officer has already made up his or her mind that you are drunk, then no matter what you say the chances of them letting you go is slim-to-none. Of course, it can be terrifying to be coaxed into the back of a cop car, and perhaps even more so for something that you didn’t really do.

The Booking Process

Regardless of whether you think you were at-fault or not, it’s better to stay quiet and calm and ever admit guilt. The officer may try to act like your friend or someone is on your side, but rest assured that they are not. The booking process entails confirming your identity, logging you into the jail system, and inputting a description of the supposed crime. This may take anywhere from one hour or up to several to finally complete. A note may be included about not only the DUI, but your involvement in a car accident that caused injuries to the other driver. Once you have been booked at the local police station, you may spend time in a holding cell or conditionally released with bail. 

Interrogation Attempt

When you are being booked, you may also be interrogated by police about what happened. This may be especially true if the other driver in the auto collision was seriously harmed, and the police want to pin the accident on you. You should refrain from answering any questions until you have spoken with an attorney. Be mindful that the police may use a handful of tempting strategies to get you to talk. But, anything you do share could be used against your favor in court. As your attorney may explain to you, the methods police may use to get you to talk or answer their questions include:

• Informal Questioning: anytime that the accused interacts with an officer that is in an informal setting. Ask if you are free to leave, and if the officer says yes, then you should vacate the police station right away. If you aren’t, then request an attorney before you speak further.
  

• The Reid Technique: maximization, mimization, and isolation are categorized under the reid technique. The accused may be intentionally left alone for extended periods of time, an officer may claim that they know they are guilty and propose a theory for the crime, or the officer may come off as a “good cop” and as if they understand why the accused did what they did. 

 

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Thanks to The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. for their insight into criminal law and DUI arrests.