Telling the full truth about certain things can leave people feeling vulnerable, and vulnerability is rarely comfortable. So, many take the easy way out and discuss only what they believe is necessary. If you’re facing a DUI charge, though, this approach won’t work. When speaking with your DUI attorney, everything needs to be laid bare, including all the messy details and the risky admissions.
No one hires a lawyer they don’t trust, and trust must go both ways. Your lawyer can help you only when they know every detail about what happened before the DUI charge or arrest. In Colorado, where DUI laws are stringent, not being honest with your Colorado Springs DUI attorney can lead to a weak defense. Full transparency is one of the most powerful tools in building a defence that works.
Why Your Attorney Needs to Know Everything
People charged with DUI may not fully understand the gravity of the situation facing them. They may not know how the law works or what legal options are available to them in different situations. Without a background in law or knowledge of the legal system, it’s easy to think that sharing only the basics with your DUI attorney is enough.
A strong defense requires facts that support timing and procedure, and missing information can make it tricky for your attorney to spot weaknesses in the case against you. When you’re honest with your attorney, here’s what they can do:
- Identify issues with how the stop or arrest was handled
- Prepare for what the prosecution is likely to put forth as arguments
- Avoid surprises that could hurt or question your credibility in court
A DUI attorney can deal with complex matters, but they cannot work around facts they haven’t been made aware of. Also, the attorney-client privilege protects you.
The Information That Can Make or Break Your Case
A DUI attorney knows which details might help your case. Key areas where full transparency is required include:
Details About the Traffic Stop
The traffic stop is usually the foundation of the case, and sharing specific details helps. Including the following information is beneficial:
- Why do you think you were pulled over
- What the officer said when they pulled you over
- How did the interaction go
- Road, traffic, and weather conditions
When your DUI attorney has these details, they can determine if the stop was valid and legal.
What You Consumed and When
Tell your attorney about the drinks or substances you consumed and share the timing and the volume or quantity of such consumption. Also, it is important to tell them about any medications, supplements, pain medications, or other prescription drugs you take. In DUI cases, the timeline is critical, and a detailed account can help your attorney question the accuracy of the BAC results.
Do Not Leave Out Medical Conditions
If you have medical conditions like diabetes, acid reflux, hypoglycemia, liver disease, or other issues, even mouthwash can lead to skewed breathalyzer readings. Giving detailed information about medical conditions (if any), in addition to what you consumed, can help your attorney challenge faulty test results.
Prior Record or Incidents
Even if you believe an old conviction won’t matter today because it is expunged, sharing it is essential. If you’ve received a charge in a different state, tell your attorney about it. Prosecutors have access to a wide range of records, and a small omission might change how negotiations and plea options are handled. Prior DUI charges, convictions, traffic violations, and any other ongoing legal matters must be reported.
What Happened During Field Sobriety and Chemical Tests
This input allows your attorney to gauge if the tests were conducted correctly. Share the following details:
- Instructions you received during the tests
- Whether you had difficulty following those instructions
- Conditions at the scene, such as lighting, weather, surroundings, etc.
- Issues during breath or blood testing
This can reveal testing inconsistencies or errors, which your attorney will use to your advantage. \
Conversations With Officers
Sharing the full details of each conversation with law enforcement can change the direction of your case. Tell your attorney what you said to officers and whether you answered or declined to answer their questions. Also, confirm whether you admitted to drinking or consuming substance/s to any officer.
Final Thoughts
Hesitation is normal when discussing a DUI arrest, but it’s not beneficial in any circumstance. The more accurate your account is, the more options your attorney has to make your case. The risks in DUI cases can only be reduced by being forthcoming with your DUI attorney.