Why What You Do Next Could Make or Break Your Case
A DUI arrest in Florida can upend your life in a matter of minutes. From the flashing lights in your rearview mirror to the cuffs around your wrists, the stress of the moment can cause panic, confusion, and fear. But what many people do not realize is that the biggest risks come after the arrest. The decisions you make in the hours, days, and weeks that follow could have serious consequences for your license, your job, and your future.
At Aguilar & Sieron, P.A., our defense attorneys have helped countless people in Clay County, Jacksonville, and throughout Northeast Florida fight DUI charges. Too often, we see clients who made avoidable mistakes early in their case simply because they did not know their rights or did not have the right legal advice. If you have been arrested for DUI, do not let a misstep make things worse. Here are the most common mistakes people make after a DUI arrest in Florida, along with tips on how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Assuming You Are Automatically Guilty
Just because you were arrested does not mean you will be convicted. DUI charges in Florida are complex and require the prosecution to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Field sobriety tests can be challenged. Breathalyzer results can be thrown out. Police mistakes can result in dropped charges. But if you assume there is no way out, you may plead guilty too early or fail to fight the charges at all.
Before doing anything, talk to an experienced DUI defense lawyer. An attorney can review the facts, analyze the evidence, and determine whether your rights were violated. You may have more legal options than you think.
Mistake #2: Failing to Request a DMV Hearing
Many people do not realize that after a DUI arrest, you only have 10 days to request a formal review hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. This hearing is separate from your criminal case. It deals with the administrative suspension of your driver’s license.
If you miss this 10-day window, you could face an automatic license suspension with no chance to contest it. The DMV hearing is your opportunity to challenge whether the officer had probable cause and whether the breath or blood test was valid. Your attorney can handle this hearing on your behalf and may be able to preserve your driving privileges.
Mistake #3: Posting About the Arrest on Social Media
In today’s world, it is second nature to share major life events online. But posting about your DUI arrest on Facebook, Instagram, or any other platform is a bad idea. Prosecutors and police often monitor social media for information that could help their case. Something you post as a joke or in frustration could be taken out of context and used against you in court.
Even seemingly innocent photos or comments could damage your credibility or raise questions about your behavior. It is best to stay silent online until your case is fully resolved.
Mistake #4: Ignoring the Charges and Hoping They Go Away
Some people are so overwhelmed after a DUI arrest that they try to ignore it. They miss court dates, fail to respond to notices, and hope the problem will resolve itself. Unfortunately, ignoring a DUI charge will only make things worse. Missing a court date can result in a bench warrant for your arrest. Failing to take action can lead to harsher penalties, higher fines, and the loss of your license.
If you are facing DUI charges in Clay County or anywhere in Northeast Florida, take them seriously from the start. Show up to every court appearance, follow all orders, and make sure you have a lawyer representing you as early as possible.
Mistake #5: Talking to Police Without a Lawyer Present
After your arrest, you may be asked to answer questions or give a statement. You might think cooperating will help your case or show that you are being honest. But in reality, saying the wrong thing to police could hurt your defense. You are not required to answer questions without a lawyer present, and anything you say can be used against you later.
A DUI defense attorney can help you navigate conversations with law enforcement and make sure your rights are protected. It is your constitutional right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney first.
Mistake #6: Hiring the Wrong Lawyer
Not all criminal defense lawyers handle DUI cases. Florida DUI laws are highly technical, and defending these charges requires specific knowledge of sobriety testing procedures, license suspension rules, and courtroom strategies that apply to DUI prosecutions.
At Aguilar & Sieron, P.A., we have decades of experience handling DUI cases in Clay County and surrounding areas. Our legal team understands the local courts, the prosecutors, and the defenses that work. Hiring a lawyer who is not familiar with these details could cost you the opportunity to fight your charges effectively.
Mistake #7: Pleading Guilty Without Understanding the Consequences
Pleading guilty to a DUI in Florida can lead to jail time, thousands in fines, mandatory DUI school, an ignition interlock device, and a criminal record that follows you for years. It can impact your job, your professional license, your insurance rates, and your ability to travel internationally.
Some people plead guilty just to get the case over with, but this can be a costly mistake. Before you agree to any deal, make sure you understand the long-term consequences. A lawyer can help you assess whether you have a chance to get the charges reduced or dismissed entirely.
Protect Your Future After a DUI Arrest
A DUI arrest does not mean your life is over. With the right legal help, it is possible to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. But time is not on your side. The sooner you talk to a criminal defense attorney, the more options you will have.
At Aguilar & Sieron, P.A., we provide aggressive, knowledgeable DUI defense to clients in Green Cove Springs, Clay County, and throughout Northeast Florida. If you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, contact us today for a free consultation. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and ready to stand up for you.