All of us know that we should never, never, never drive an automobile after having a drink or six.  Unfortunately, sometimes after drink No. 2, the rational part of you leaves you entirely.  I saw this picture in a post on Alltop.com and it made me think about avoiding a DUI conviction in Tennessee.  Now the Alltop.com article is about how to avoid a ticket of any kind.  Understand

that if you are arrested for DUI or DWI you won’t get a ticket.  You’ll be taken to JAIL.    The penalties for DUI only begin with 48 hours in jail for first offense and suspension of your driving privileges.  The 48 hours is the beginning, however the judge can go much further, all the way up to 11 months and 29 days.  If you already have one conviction on your record the penalties rise very quickly.  Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to pay really stiff insurance rates for at least 3 year.

So the obvious question is:  How to Avoid a DUI Conviction?

First, at the risk of re-stating the obvious:  Don’t drive after you have consumed alcohol of any kind in any amounts.  This is the #1 way to insure you will not be convicted of DUI.

Second, if you are stopped by law enforcement, understand that everything you do and say will be used against you.  There is very little you can say or do to stop the officer from arresting you.  You have the right to remain silent.  Use it!

Third, be compliant with the officer.  Compliant is the opposite of combative.  It’s a lot easier to resolve your DUI charge in a manageable manner if you insure you don’t do anything to incite the officer thereby raising the price of your circumstances.

Fourth, take note of your surroundings.  The facts may make a huge difference in mounting your defense.  Was the officer rushed.  Was he hurried.  Was his attention focused on something other than you.  All these things could make a difference in resolving your case.

Finally, don’t go it alone.  The economic consequences of a conviction will be with you for a long time.  Seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who can help you evaluate your options and carry you through this very stressful situation.  Remember:  Arrested doesn’t mean Convicted.