It’s human nature to want to rant when something bad happens, and in your case, that “bad thing” is a DUI. You’re tempted to complain to anyone who will listen, whether that’s your sympathetic neighbor or a co-worker who you thought was a friend.
Discussing your Colorado DUI case with the wrong people, though, is a mistake that can come back to bite you.
Why It’s Wise To Stay Tight-Lipped About Your DUI Case
“Anything you say can be used against you,” the officer announces as he’s handcuffing you. That statement doesn’t just apply to talking with the police.
You might feel as though talking about the case with your family and friends is no big deal. You trust them, after all, and they’re good people. That may be true, but you should assume that anyone close to you could be summoned to court to talk about the case. They’ll be under oath to tell the truth about what you said, and they probably won’t risk jail time to protect you.
It’s not just your family and friends the court can summon. They might ask your co-workers, boss, or even the guy you met at the bar for the first time last Saturday. Anyone you talked to is fair game.
This is why you must stay silent until your case is over. Ranting to your buddies might feel cathartic, but it just isn’t worth it.
Do not:
- Ask the person who was with you at the bar whether you were really “that bad” or “drank that much”
- Complain to your mom about how the cops handled your arrest
- Brag to your friend that you had way more drinks than the police assumed
The Unique Dangers of Posting on Social Media
If you can’t talk to people about your DUI in person, how about social media? Don’t even think about it.
Prosecutors are well aware that DUI defendants flock to sites like Facebook and Twitter to rant about their arrest. They’ll likely keep a close eye on your feeds. Some prosecutors have even been known to create “fake” profiles to interact with defendants, access private posts, and perhaps even bait them into talking.
If you say the wrong thing on social media, the prosecutor may have all they need when it comes to evidence and probable cause. In addition to DUI charges, you might be charged with a separate crime, such as witness tampering or contempt of court. The social media impact can be serious, so play it safe.
Confidentiality and Communication: Save It for Your Lawyer
If you can’t talk with your pals about your DUI case, who can you talk to? The only one you should be discussing your Colorado DUI case with is your lawyer.
Thanks to attorney-client privilege, your lawyer is ethically obligated to keep your conversations confidential. Per DUI laws in Colorado, they cannot be forced to reveal in court what you have told them.
Reliable Legal Defense Strategies for Your DUI Case
If you need dependable representation for your Colorado DUI case, count on Churchill DUI Defense. Call (303) 832-9000 today for your consultation.