It’s common knowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Getting caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit can get you in serious trouble. Most of us law-abiding citizens probably try to avoid drink driving, but everyone makes mistakes, and you might decide to drive home after a night at the pub thinking that you’re sober enough to drive. But what happens if you get caught? Here’s what you should do if you get arrested from drunk driving in Victoria.
Don’t Panic and Sober Up
When you get caught by the police for drunk driving, you may be too stricken with fear and may not know what to do. You might perhaps even consider trying your luck and running from the police. However, this is a bad idea and you would be better off complying with police instructions. Failure to comply with a breathalyser test administered by the police can land you in court for a more serious offence.
Thus, follow the instructions given by police officers carefully when you are stopped. Even if you think your blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit, it is unwise to argue with a police officer. Instead, wait until you sober up the next day before assessing your options with a level head.
Get a Lawyer
If the police eventually decide to charge you for drink driving, it would be in your best interests to engage a drink driving lawyer.
The offence of drink driving is a serious one in Victoria, and you can lose your driving license and potentially even go to jail if you are found guilty. An experienced criminal lawyer can provide you with expert legal advice unique to your situation. If you decide to plead not guilty in court, they can also help you plan and argue your defence.
Prepare to Go to Court
In Victoria, the government had adopted a stringent approach toward drunk drivers. Many cases thus end up going to court, and you will need a lawyer to help you argue your case in court.
While it may seem tempting to save on legal costs by not engaging a lawyer, failing to do so may jeopardise your case. Without the proper legal education, training, and experience, you are likely to make a mistake that might end up getting you a higher sentence than you would have gotten otherwise. Thus, err on the side of caution and hire a criminal lawyer before going to court.
Leanne Warren & Associates – Leading Criminal Lawyers in Melbourne
Leanne Warren & Associates is home to some of the most prolific criminal lawyers in the Melbourne area, and we’re more than happy to help you to get out of a sticky situation. Our lawyers have decades of experience handling drunk driving and other driving offences. If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving and need a lawyer, get in touch with us today for a no-obligation consultation.
