Ed Poll at the Law Biz Blog gives a harrowing account of his brush with the law in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  He shows how even when you know the law and know you are not driving drunk, you can still be caught in a dwi checkpoint and be very nervous about your chances of getting arrested.  Moreover, he notes that sometimes you can't afford to NOT have a lawyer.  It is important for dwi lawyers to explain why they are needed and the value they bring to their clients.

. . . As we got close to our destination, I noticed the highway was streaming with police. It looked like a major car accident; as I got closer, it looked like a disaster. I could tell the roadway had been narrowed by cones and police cars into one lane. And as I approached the head of the line, a policeman approached me. Suddenly, I realized that I was in the middle of a road block!

The officer spoke. He asked if I had had any alcohol that evening. Those of you who know me, know that I am always the "designated driver." I have nothing against alcohol or those who enjoy it. I've never developed a taste for good wine or other spirits. Thus, drinking good wine is "lost" on me.

This evening, however, a friend at the rally had bought a bottle of red wine, a favorite of theirs and my wife. To be part of the group, I accepted a "short" glass and had a few sips — well, o.k., I had one glass of wine. Several hours later, our evening ended and we drove … until we were stopped at the road block. I told the officer the truth.  He pulled me out of line, told me to shut off the engine and turn off the lights.  Not having driven this car before, I fumbled with the lights. As a former prosecutor of DUI/DWI defendants, I knew this was not looking good. A drunk will usually fumble with the lights.  I laughed it off, attempting to be casual with the officer.

He gave me the eye test. I got a bit nervous, contemplating the balance of the field sobriety test..Have you ever taken that test … while sober? It's not the easiest thing to do, especially when filled with anxiety "in the field." Though nervous, he could tell I was sober  … or at least not under the "influence."  And we drove on …

As I was thinking about this, on the scene, I had visions of needing to call an attorney in the area to come bail me out … or at least defend my good reputation to keep me "clean" with the Bar, that is to make sure I didn't have a spot on my record that would impact my license to practice law and my license to drive a car.  Could I afford to hire a lawyer in today's economy. Of course, we might say that is the wrong question. Could I afford NOT to hire a lawyer is the better question. . .

 

 To read more on Ed's blog, click here . . .