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Video Q&A

7 DUI Mistakes That DESTROY Your Case in Colorado (Avoid These NOW)

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Clips from this video

First, and this is huge, don't talk about your case with anyone except your attorney. I mean it. Don't discuss it with family, friends, co-workers, or anyone you meet socially. Don't post about it online or in forums. And don't even make casual comments in passing. Something like, "I only had two beers," or, "The officer was a jerk," can often will be used against you. Prosecutors love finding inconsistencies between what you told police, what you told friends, and what you claim at court. So, keep quiet. The fewer people who know, the better.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Second, don't miss your 7-day DMV hearing deadline. 7 days goes by fast, faster than most people think. We've had potential clients call us on day 8, and there's nothing we can do at that point. The automatic suspension kicks in, and your driving privileges are gone. Do what you have to do to remember. Set alarms on your phone, write it on your calendar, whatever it takes. Make sure you request that hearing. It's that important.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
The third mistake I often see is defendants trying to explain themselves to the prosecutor. If I just explain the situation, everything will be fine. Maybe I wasn't really that drunk. Maybe it was a medical emergency. Maybe the officer made a mistake. Don't do it. Don't contact the prosecutor directly. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Let your attorney handle all communications with the prosecution. That's exactly what we're here for.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Fourth, missing your court date. That's another critical error. Your summons has a court date on it, and missing it will be a whole new issue to deal with. FTA will usually lead to the judge issuing a warrant for your arrest. FTA could also lead to issues with your bond and simply the destruction of your credibility with the prosecutor and the judge. If something comes up and you absolutely cannot make your court date, your attorney needs to file a motion on your behalf before your court date. Missing court should never be an option.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
The fifth error I see too often is hiring the cheapest attorney you can find. DUI defense is complex and technical. A conviction can affect your life for years. This isn't the place to bargain hunt because that attorney may have little DUI specific experience. They may push you toward a quick plea deal without fully investigating defenses. They may miss procedural issues or they may be unavailable when you need guidance or simply they may lack professional relationships that come from long careers in your local courthouse. Invest in experienced representation. The difference in outcome is often worth many times the difference in cost. And consider that reputable firms like ours often offer payment plans to make quality representation accessible.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
The sixth mistake I see is too often giving up and pleading guilty too quickly. A DUI charge does not mean automatic conviction. There are numerous defenses that can be explored. For instance, illegal traffic stops, improper field sobriety test administration, breath test errors or calibration issues, blood test contamination, rising BAC, medical conditions that could affect the results, violations of Miranda rights, and procedural stakes by law enforcement. Every case deserves a thorough investigation before you consider any plea agreement. I've seen charges reduced or even dismissed in cases that initially looked hopeless.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Finally, the seventh mistake is simply waiting too long to hire an attorney. The earlier you involve a quality DUI lawyer, the more options you have. Evidence can be lost, witnesses forget details, and surveillance footage can get deleted. Contact DUI lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest to help preserve the best possible outcome for your case. Timing is critical.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
I want to talk about something that can make or break your DUI case. Seven mistakes you absolutely need to avoid. I've seen so many defensible cases get derailed simply because people made errors that could have been avoided.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
First, and this is huge, don't talk about your case with anyone except your attorney.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Second, don't miss your 7-day DMV hearing deadline. 7 days goes by fast, faster than most people think.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
The third mistake I often see is defendants trying to explain themselves to the prosecutor.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Fourth, missing your court date. That's another critical error.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
The fifth error I see too often is hiring the cheapest attorney you can find. DUI defense is complex and technical.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
The sixth mistake I see is too often giving up and pleading guilty too quickly. A DUI charge does not mean automatic conviction.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Finally, the seventh mistake is simply waiting too long to hire an attorney. The earlier you involve a quality DUI lawyer, the more options you have.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Invest in experienced representation. The difference in outcome is often worth many times the difference in cost.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Every case deserves a thorough investigation before you consider any plea agreement. I've seen charges reduced or even dismissed in cases that initially looked hopeless.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗
Each of these steps can protect your rights, help preserve your license, and protect your future.
Alexis Austin LitleWatch clip ↗