Allegations of impaired driving can result in significant consequences. People of many different ages and backgrounds may violate rules limiting motor vehicle operation. Young adults are at particularly high risk due to the presence of alcohol at many social gatherings.
Spring break sees a lot of tourists visiting coastal towns in North Carolina. Students may also attend parties and other social events during spring break in their hometowns where they drink too much. Anyone accused of a driving while impaired (DWI) offense is at risk of several significant penalties. Jail time, probation, fines and driver’s license suspensions are all common consequences. People also have to consider the impact of a criminal record.
For high school or college students on spring break, a simple mistake could affect their educational opportunities and career prospects. How can young adults facing spring break DWI charges respond to most effectively protect themselves?
Assert personal rights as soon as possible
Ideally, those stopped by police officers on suspicion of a DWI remember their basic legal protections. They can invoke their right to remain silent when police officers question them. They can refuse field sobriety testing, although they may have to submit to a post-arrest chemical test.
They also have the right to have an attorney represent them when interacting with the courts or law enforcement. Making use of those rights can prevent scenarios in which people limit their own defense options by making mistakes.
Explore arrest circumstances
Every DWI case is unique. Maybe the accused young adult has a medical issue that may have affected their performance on field sobriety tests or the accuracy of chemical testing. Perhaps police officers conducted an inappropriate traffic stop without a legal justification.
The details of the situation determine what types of defense strategies might work. Frequently, those facing DWI charges seek to exclude evidence from criminal proceedings, question the accuracy of tests or provide alternate explanations. In some cases, the best strategy may involve negotiating a plea bargain that reduces the charge to a lesser offense.
The current circumstances and future plans of a defendant can influence the best response to DWI charges. Getting appropriate support as soon as possible can make a major difference for those accused of drunk driving during spring break.