10 Mistakes People Make Handling Their Own DUI Case

Welcome…
I am Troy Slaten, a Los Angeles DUI Attorney defending individuals arrested and charged with DUI throughout Los Angeles County, California.

Over the years, I’ve seen many people underestimate the seriousness of DUI charges. Too often, individuals rush into the legal system thinking their case is “no big deal.” Representing yourself in a DUI case is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. DUI prosecution is an aggressive, highly organized system that is not on your side. Every statement you make can — and likely will — be used against you. It’s never wise to face such charges without experienced legal counsel.

Defending yourself in a criminal case is a bad idea. Doing so in a DUI case is even worse. Judges often require defendants to acknowledge in writing that self-representation is unwise before allowing it. This alone should tell you how serious these charges are.

Now let me share with you 10 common DUI mistakes I’ve seen:

1. “The officer said I was over the legal limit — I’m done for!”
Not necessarily. What matters is what the prosecution can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Breath and blood tests can be unreliable if improperly administered or maintained. An experienced DUI lawyer will examine the evidence for errors that can cast reasonable doubt on your case.

2. “A DUI is just like a speeding ticket.”
Completely false. A first-time California DUI conviction can mean jail time, license suspension, and long-term consequences. Judges and prosecutors face public pressure to deliver harsh penalties — there are no easy breaks in DUI court. This is not a speeding ticket.

3. “I’ll just pay the fine and move on.”
Wrong. DUI convictions come with heavy fines, probation, license suspension, ignition interlock devices, and skyrocketing insurance rates. Many people who plead guilty quickly later regret it when they realize the full extent of the penalties.

4. “I can go to court on my own.”
You can — but you shouldn’t. Each courthouse and judge has different procedures. An experienced attorney knows how to navigate them, when to negotiate, and when to fight. Going alone often leads to mistakes that worsen the outcome.

5. “I’ll explain everything to the DMV myself.”
Bad idea. DMV hearing officers aren’t there to help you — their goal is to suspend as many licenses as possible. They aren’t lawyers or judges, and they aren’t interested in fairness or sympathy. A skilled attorney knows how to challenge DMV evidence properly.

6. “The breath test was accurate.”
Maybe — maybe not. Breath tests are sensitive to errors in administration, calibration, and even body chemistry. A DUI defense attorney will scrutinize every detail to identify flaws that may have affected the results.

7. “I passed all the field sobriety tests.”
Perhaps — but did the officers administer them correctly? The accuracy of these tests depends on proper procedure. If the officer gave incorrect instructions or misinterpreted results, the evidence may be unreliable.

8. “It’s only a DUI — I won’t go to jail.”
Think again. Even first-time DUIs in California carry mandatory jail sentences of at least two days. The right attorney can often negotiate alternatives and help you avoid incarceration.

9. “Judge, let me explain…”
Don’t. Talking too much often hurts your case. You have the right to remain silent — use it. Every word you say can help the prosecution. Speak only to your attorney.

10. “I can’t afford a good DUI attorney.”
You can’t afford not to. Quality representation may seem expensive, but it can save you far more in fines, lost wages, and long-term consequences. A good lawyer pays for themselves by protecting your freedom and your future.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Los Angeles, I invite you to call me for a free consultation to discuss your case and your best options moving forward.