Resisting police on a DUI charge only leads to multiple offenses

It has been said that “The first rule when you find yourself in a hole is, ‘stop digging.’” Of course, many people panic when they are involved in a car accident or when they are being investigated by police at a traffic stop. Naturally, the very first instinct might be to run away from the scene or to resist arrest or even to become combative with police officers. Giving into these impulses, however, only makes things far worse for defendants.

In one recent case in Shelbyville, Tennessee, a driver found himself facing a myriad of charges after presumably panicking in the aftermath of a car accident.

The driver allegedly collided with another car and then drove away from the scene of the accident, escalating the simple crash into a hit-and-run. Police came along when the driver arrived at his home. But instead of having a peaceful exchange with the officers, the driver chose to argue with them, and he eventually ended up physically resisting them, according to the police.

The result: charges for multiple offenses including leaving the scene of a car accident, DUI, driving without a license, and implied consent.

The driver in this case may have been better off had he remained at the scene of the car accident.

Hindsight, of course, is 20/20. Those who find themselves facing criminal charges for allegedly driving drunk cannot look back; they can only look forward. Regardless of the circumstances of an arrest, it is important to seek legal counsel in the aftermath of a DUI/DWI in order to protect your rights and make the best decisions moving ahead to resolve the charges.

Source: Shelbyville Times Gazette, “Hit-and-run suspect argues with police,” David Melson, June 10, 2014