Reader’s Question:

My older sister has just been charged with DUI here in Los Angeles, California. The lawyer said that she stands a big chance of getting the charges dropped and that’s good news for her. But I just want to know, what are the things that I must do if I am caught drunk driving?

Vanessa

Los Angeles, CA

It would be a good lesson for you and your sister not to drink and drive again since she was already charged with DUI. But in case it is unavoidable and if you will be caught drunk driving in the highways of Los Angeles, California, it would also be good to know what you must do.

First is that you can decline in a polite manner from answering questions without your lawyer around. You have to remember that the police report will contain only self-incriminating statements. Don’t undergo any sobriety tests on the field since this is not a requirement of the law. Unless you are younger than 21 years of age, you can refuse to undergo a hand-held breath test that is required by law if you are younger than 21. My advice is that you can agree to undergo a required breath test for evidence if you are confident that your blood alcohol level is below 0.8 percent. Lastly, make sure that your lawyer calls the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Driver Safety Office not more than 10 days after the incident. Your lawyer should formally ask for a hearing to contest the suspension of your driver’s license.

Tags: DUI lawyer