What Are My Rights After Being Arrested for Drunk Driving in Indiana?
If you’ve been pulled over and arrested for drunk driving in the state of Indiana, you may be feeling scared as to what your future holds. When you get arrested, you feel powerless, as if you’ve lost all of your rights as a citizen. Thankfully, however, you haven’t yet been convicted of a crime and you still have certain rights under the law.
The police officer is required to read you your Miranda warning when arresting you. Knowing these rights is important because police officers may try to ask you questions in order to obtain key statements that can later be used against you. Remembering that you’re innocent until proven guilty can be a helpful mindset to have during your arrest.
A Terre Haute DUI lawyer from Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm can defend you every step of the way as you try to fight your charges in court.
The Right to Remain Silent
The first thing the police officer should tell you during your arrest for drunk driving is that you have the right to remain silent because anything you say can and will be used against you in court. This is your warning that when the police begin to question you, you aren’t required to answer their questions. Any answers you say can be used as evidence to prove that you’re guilty later on.
The Right to an Attorney
The police officer will also let you know that you have the right to an attorney and if you can’t afford one, an attorney will be appointed for you. This is a reminder that you haven’t been convicted of a crime yet.
Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer in Terre Haute can be the key to getting your charges reduced or dismissed. There are defense strategies your attorney will use to put reasonable doubt in the minds of the judge and jury.
The Right to a Fair Trial
When you get charged with a crime, you always have the right to a fair trial under the Sixth Amendment.
Before panicking during your arrest, remember that many factors are involved in your case. Although you may have been charged with drunk driving, it’s possible that the breathalyzer wasn’t calibrated correctly, the police offer didn’t follow proper procedure, or that your blood alcohol level was below the legal limit.
A fair trial can help determine what your charges will be and whether you’ll be convicted of a crime. Even if you’re convicted of a crime, it’s possible that your charges will be reduced to less severe penalties depending on the circumstances of your case. A trial can change everything.
Reach Out to a Terre Haute DUI Attorney
Knowing your rights when you’re arrested is important because it’ll help you stay calm and be aware of any possible mistreatment or error on behalf of the police. At Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm, we stand by those who have been arrested and help them receive the legal representation they rightfully deserve under the law.
If you’re ready to speak to a Terre Haute DUI lawyer about your case, fill out the contact form below or call 812-232-7400 to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
