PinIf you have been arrested for drunk driving, it is imperative to know that certain behaviors can negatively influence your case or complicate your case further.

You already may be aware of certain mistakes to avoid making after the DWI arrest, such as driving with a suspended license and failing to show up on your assigned court date. Making these mistakes could lead to harsher penalties like larger fines and extended jail time.

You need to know, however, that there are also many other actions that could cast doubt on your credibility as an individual. Without meaning to, your choices and actions may cause others to question your overall reliability or intent. These are just some of the ways you can sabotage your DWI defense: 

Posting about your DWI on social media platforms

I know this one may seem obvious. But, as difficult as it may be, refrain from discussing your pending DWI charges on social media. Discussing the overall situation or your night out drinking with friends may be setting your case up for failure later on. Even with privacy settings enabled, it is still very possible for others to access your Facebook or Twitter profiles and see anything you’ve posted. Play it safe and keep the details of your DWI arrest and keep your driving escapades to yourself.

Keep partying

It is imperative that you lie low throughout the course of your DWI case.  Even though the court may not set conditions of release such a no drinking alcoholic beverages, you may want to avoid partying and other activities that involve drinking. Photos of alcohol in your hands won’t help your case either. News spreads quickly, and any new reports of recent displays of intoxication, if they become known, are likely to sway a court’s decisions in a negative manner. One should review a DWI arrest as a time for reflection and have a willingness to address issues in his or her personal life that may have led to the decision to drink and drive. Having a chemical assessment completed by a professional even prior to going to court is also a good idea. 

Giving up 

A number of people do not even try to challenge the DWI charges being held against them. Do not assume that you have no choice but to face the full legal penalties of your DWI arrest simply because you blew over the legal limit.

What if the arresting officer failed to have appropriate grounds to stop you? In such situation, the test results and all other evidence collected after the stop are considered inadmissible and cannot be used against you.

What if the field sobriety test was not administered properly? Then the field test results would be invalidated and potentially render the consequent chemical test as inadmissible.

Keep in mind that chances are high that the outcome of your case can be improved on in some way – particularly with the help of a good attorney. Plea bargains and other forms of negotiation are always an option.

Waiting too long to get legal representation 

While you may already know that it’s usually is a big mistake to not hire a DWI attorney to represent you, it is just as important that you do not wait too long before hiring legal representation. Unfortunately, your inaction may make it even more difficult to win your case later on.

A DWI case involves numerous details that require much expertise and time to investigate and examine closely. Also, doing nothing for a while may lead to your failing to file an appeal of the driver’s license suspension. Most states, including Minnesota, have a time limit in which such an appeal or challenge can be made.