If you are arrested for DUI/DWI, the police officer presumably will read you your constitutional rights which include: “you have the right at this time to an attorney”; “you have the right to talk to an attorney before answering any questions”; and “you have the right to have an attorney present during the questioning”. In a nut shell, law enforcement should advise you of your right to talk to an attorney. In some jurisdictions, a police officer will provide you with a list of attorneys that accept late night calls from the jail while your case is being processed. In other jurisdictions, you may be provided with a phone book. Mind you, criminal defense attorneys are only human. Many work long hours. And relish their bedtime. And are not necessarily available when the phone rings at 2:00 am or simply don’t hear the phone ring. But that’s not the point of this post. The point of this post are the number of Driving Under the Influence arrestees who d0 not take advantage of the opportunity to at least place a phone call to a lawyer. Maybe you don’t get thru the first time. You should be allowed to make several attempts to get ahold of a lawyer. Arguably speaking, you should be permitted to attempt contact with several attorneys. An attorney can explain to you your rights and responsibilities and potential penalties. If the arresting officer will allow it, the defense attorney can ask him questions regarding the stop / detention / arrest. It can be a very resourceful tool for gathering intel in the early stages of your case.
Matthew R. Hoff, Attorney at Law is a criminal defense law firm located in the Shumay neighborhood of Vancouver, Washington. 2901 Main St. 360-693-6228. Just minutes from the Clark County Courthouse. Also servicing Camas/Washougal Municipal Court; Battleground Municipal Court; Cowlitz County and Southwest Washington. I am located just off Fourth Plain Boulevard with easy access from I-5 North & South. I have over 10 years of experience representing clients in a wide variety of criminal matters including DUI, felony and misdemeanor Domestic Violence (DV) cases, Drug Possession / Manufacturing / Delivery and Class A felonies. Pick up the phone and make the call with confidence.
