Avoiding Mistakes After a DUI Arrest: Call a DUI Lawyer
- Meason & Morris Law
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
A DUI arrest can be overwhelming, confusing, and scary—especially if it’s your first time dealing with the criminal justice system. In the heat of the moment, it’s easy to make decisions that can hurt your case down the road. That’s why calling a DUI lawyer immediately after your arrest is one of the smartest moves you can make.
In this blog, we’ll break down the most common mistakes people make after a DUI arrest and explain how a DUI lawyer can help you protect your future.
1. Admitting Guilt Too Soon
Mistake: Many people believe that if they just admit they were drinking, the police will go easier on them. That’s not true.
Why It’s a Problem: Anything you say to law enforcement can—and likely will—be used against you in court. Admitting guilt before speaking with a lawyer can make it harder to fight the charges.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: A lawyer can advise you on what to say (or not say) to avoid self-incrimination. They’ll also review the evidence to see if your rights were violated.
2. Refusing to Take a Chemical Test Without Knowing the Consequences
Mistake: Some people refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test because they think it will help them avoid a DUI charge.
Why It’s a Problem: In Oklahoma, refusing a chemical test can lead to automatic license suspension, even if you're not convicted of DUI. It can also be used as evidence of guilt.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: Your lawyer can challenge the legality of the test or the refusal—but it’s important to understand the consequences first. A DUI lawyer knows when it’s best to comply or when there may be grounds to challenge the test results.
3. Not Requesting a DMV Hearing
Mistake: After a DUI arrest, many drivers don’t realize they must request a hearing with the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) within 30 days to contest their license suspension.
Why It’s a Problem: If you don’t request the hearing in time, your license will be automatically suspended—even if you win your DUI case in court.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: A DUI lawyer will handle the paperwork, request the hearing on time, and represent you during the proceeding. This gives you a better chance at keeping your driving privileges.
4. Missing Court Dates or Deadlines
Mistake: Skipping a court date or missing legal deadlines can happen, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process or overwhelmed.
Why It’s a Problem: Failing to appear in court or submit required paperwork can lead to warrants, additional charges, and a worse outcome overall.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: A lawyer will manage all scheduling, paperwork, and communication with the court so nothing slips through the cracks. Their involvement shows the court you’re taking the charges seriously.
5. Assuming You’ll Automatically Be Found Guilty
Mistake: Some people plead guilty right away, thinking there’s no point in fighting the charges.
Why It’s a Problem: DUI charges can often be reduced—or even dismissed—based on errors in police procedure, faulty testing equipment, or lack of probable cause.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: Your DUI lawyer will investigate every detail of your arrest to see if your rights were violated. They may be able to get evidence thrown out or negotiate for lesser charges.
6. Driving With a Suspended License
Mistake: After losing their license, some people continue to drive, assuming they won’t get caught.
Why It’s a Problem: Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense that can lead to fines, jail time, and make your DUI case even worse.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: Your attorney can help you apply for a restricted license or ignition interlock device, which may allow you to drive legally during your suspension.
7. Posting About the Arrest on Social Media
Mistake: It’s tempting to vent or explain yourself on social media after a DUI arrest, but this can backfire.
Why It’s a Problem: Anything you post can be used by prosecutors to build a case against you—even if it seems harmless.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: A lawyer will advise you to stay off social media until your case is resolved. They can also help you understand how your actions outside of court may affect the outcome.
8. Waiting Too Long to Hire a Lawyer
Mistake: Some people delay hiring a DUI lawyer because they think they can handle it alone or want to “wait and see” what happens.
Why It’s a Problem: The earlier you hire a lawyer, the better your chances of a strong defense. Waiting too long can result in missed opportunities to challenge evidence or avoid penalties.
How a DUI Lawyer Helps: A DUI lawyer acts fast to protect your license, review evidence, and develop a strategy to minimize the impact on your life.
What a DUI Lawyer Does for You
Here are some ways a DUI lawyer helps defend your case:
Reviews the arrest: Was the traffic stop legal? Was the breathalyzer working properly?
Protects your rights: Ensures police followed proper procedures.
Negotiates with prosecutors: May help reduce charges or avoid jail time.
Represents you in court: Helps you avoid mistakes during the legal process.
Minimizes penalties: Fights for lesser fines, shorter license suspensions, or alternative sentencing like DUI classes.
Conclusion
A DUI arrest doesn’t have to ruin your life—but it can if you make the wrong moves. From saying too much to missing deadlines or handling your case alone, small mistakes can lead to big consequences. The best thing you can do is consult with an experienced DUI lawyer right away.
At Meason & Morris Law, we understand how stressful and uncertain this time can be. Our skilled DUI defense attorneys are here to protect your rights, explain your options, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Don’t wait—contact us today for a free consultation and get the legal support you need to move forward.
Meason & Morris Law is a legal firm led by seasoned attorneys Marty Meason and Chris Morris. We provide a professional experience for all our clients, helping them navigate their legal rights. We focus on Criminal Justice Law (felonies and misdemeanors), Divorce and Family Law, Expungement and Felony Law, Probate Law and also have Trial experience. Serving Washington County, Nowata County, Osage County, Rogers County, Payne County, Pawnee County, and Kay County in Oklahoma.
Meason & Morris Law
515 Delaware Ave
Bartlesville, OK 74003
918-336-6300
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