I'd like to take a moment to wish everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year.  Don't forget the reason for the season folks.  Give generously and forgive quickly.  

The holidays are a season of hope.  No matter how bad your circumstances are, all is not lost.  Life will go on and things will get better.  Never give up.

While thousands of people drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol every day, only a small portion are arrested. Regardless, DUI charges are extremely serious offenses that can follow you for years, affecting your ability to apply for jobs as well as your ability to operate a vehicle if your license is suspended.

While your DUI attorney is your advocate and will swear to defend you to the best of their ability, there are certain things that they wish you knew before charges were brought against you.

1. You have the right to remain silent
   While a police officer will read your Miranda rights to you, including this one, many people fail to realize the severity of speaking without a lawyer present. That's because police officers are trained to get people to talk, even when it's not in their self interest. Until you're facing the possibility of arrest, you don't know how stressful these situations can be. Your words can be self-incriminating and can only make your case harder to defend. Even if you know that you are innocent, do not say anything without your lawyer present.


2. Never perform a field sobriety test
   These tests are arbitrary and are not entirely accurate. The tasks that police officers generally ask people to perform, like saying the alphabet backwards, walking on a straight line, or following a finger or flashlight with your eyes, are not skills that determine sobriety. None of these tests are truly scientific and all are entirely subjective. The only measurable test that an officer can perform in the field is a breathalyzer test to determine your BAC, but even this test isn't entirely accurate.


3. You should always find a DUI lawyer from a criminal defense law firm to defend you
   Whether or not your BAC was measured at or above .08%, your case is still defendable. In many cases, DUI sentences can be reduced and plea deals can be arranged. No matter the situation or how bad you believe the outcome may be, never give up. Hire a criminal defense attorney.


4. Never drink and drive
   ​The job of an attorney is to look out for the client's best interest, which is why we never advocate for not-quite-drunk-yet driving. If you plan on consuming alcohol, please do so safely, and always have a ride ready. Someone is injured in a drunk driving crash every two minutes. Your safety and the safety of those around you is of the utmost importance.

If you've been charged with a DUI, don't wait to hire a lawyer. Contact the Law Office of Adam Williams, a criminal lawyer and DUI attorney at law who will bring you the justice that you deserve.