Being stopped for a suspected DUI can be one of the most stressful experiences a driver faces. It happens on familiar roads throughout Erie County, from the busier stretches near Millcreek and Harborcreek to quieter areas around Fairview, Edinboro, Summit Township, Wesleyville, and the Springfield communities. No matter where the stop occurs, the moments that follow are often confusing, and many people make mistakes that can make a DUI case much harder to defend.
Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law has helped many people throughout the region work through the uncertainty that comes after a DUI traffic stop, and in Attorney Natalie’s work as an Erie DUI defense lawyer, he has seen how early decisions can shape the entire direction of a case. Knowing what to avoid can make a meaningful difference if you ever find yourself in this situation.
Below are some of the most common mistakes Attorney Natalie sees and why they create serious problems later.
1. Saying Too Much During the Traffic Stop
Once an officer initiates a stop, your words matter. Many people try to talk their way out of the situation or explain why they may have been swerving or driving slowly. Even simple statements such as I only had a couple or I am just tired can be used as evidence later.
You are required to provide your license, registration, and insurance. You are not required to give explanations, guesses, or statements about alcohol or medication. Staying calm and respectful while limiting what you say is one of the strongest protections you have in the moment.
2. Refusing a Breath Test Without Understanding the Consequences
Pennsylvania’s implied consent laws carry serious penalties for refusing a chemical test after a lawful DUI arrest. A refusal can lead to a license suspension, separate from the DUI charge itself. Many drivers do not realize that this suspension can apply even if they are later found not guilty of the DUI.
Refusal is a significant decision with long-term consequences, and many people make it impulsively. If a driver is unsure about their rights, speaking with an Erie PA DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible can help clarify what may happen next.
3. Not Taking Field Sobriety Tests Seriously
Field sobriety tests are not as simple as they appear. Stress, medical conditions, uneven pavement, poor lighting, and weather all affect performance. Officers often rely on these tests as part of their decision to make an arrest, and the results can play a role in court.
As a DUI defense attorney and as a former assistant public defender with over 30 years of experience, Attorney Alan Natalie, frequently encounters cases where drivers try to joke around, rush through the instructions, or underestimate how their performance will be interpreted. Taking the tests seriously and listening closely to the instructions avoids creating unnecessary evidence that can be used against you.
4. Posting About the Arrest on Social Media
Social media creates problems in many DUI cases. A single post, photo, or comment made in the hours after an arrest can be taken out of context and used to question credibility or minimize reported symptoms. Prosecutors, law enforcement, and investigators often review online activity.
If you have been arrested, it is best to avoid posting anything about the incident or the hours that came before it.
5. Missing Court Dates or Ignoring Paperwork
After a DUI arrest, documents begin arriving quickly. Some drivers overlook scheduling notices or misunderstand deadlines. Missing a court date can lead to a bench warrant or additional penalties that complicate the defense.
If someone is unsure about what the documents mean or what must be completed, getting help early is important. Clarifying deadlines prevents unnecessary setbacks later in the process.
6. Assuming a First-Time DUI IsNo Big Deal
In Erie County and across Pennsylvania, a first-time DUI can still result in significant consequences, including license suspension, fines, mandatory classes, increased insurance costs, and even jail time depending on the circumstances.
Drivers who believe a first offense is minor often make choices early in the process that weaken the defense. Every DUI case has legal implications, and understanding those implications early helps protect your future.
7. Not Contacting a Lawyer Early Enough
One of the most common mistakes is waiting too long to get legal advice. Evidence begins developing immediately after an arrest. Police reports, dash camera footage, body camera recordings, witness information, and chemical test data all play a role in building a defense.
Speaking with a lawyer early helps protect your rights, preserves important evidence, and prevents unnecessary problems caused by paperwork, deadlines, or misunderstood instructions. Early guidance often leads to more options and a stronger defense.
Many DUI arrests in Erie County also involve additional charges, especially for first-time offenders who may qualify for programs such as ARD. As an Erie attorney for first-time offenders, Attorney Natalie often helps clients understand their options long before they ever appear in court.
How Attorney Natalie Helps People Facing DUI Charges in Erie County
For more than three decades, Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law has represented individuals charged with DUI throughout Erie County, Millcreek, Summit Township, Harborcreek, Fairview, Wesleyville, Edinboro, Springfield, and nearby communities. Attorney Natalie’s role is to help clients understand what they are facing, what steps come next, and what options may be available.
He assists clients by:
- Reviewing the traffic stop and any field sobriety testing
- Examining chemical test procedures for errors
- Identifying constitutional issues, including lack of probable cause
- Preserving and securing evidence early in the process
- Exploring eligibility for programs such as ARD
- Working to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible
- Guiding clients through each stage of the court process
Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law takes an approach to DUI representation that is steady and practical. The law firm works to protect your rights while helping you make informed decisions that support your long-term well-being.
What to Expect in the Hours After a DUI Arrest in Pennsylvania
After a DUI arrest, most people are released once processing is complete, but the legal steps continue immediately. You may receive paperwork explaining the charges, your upcoming court date, and possible license consequences tied to chemical testing. The police report, field sobriety results, and chemical test data will soon be forwarded to the prosecutor. These early pieces of evidence often shape the direction of the case, which is why understanding your rights and avoiding the mistakes explained above is so important.
If You Were Pulled Over for DUI in Erie County, You Do Not Have to Handle It Alone
A DUI arrest can feel overwhelming, but you do not need to face the process by yourself. Understanding your rights early can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Alan Natalie, Attorney At Law is here to talk through your concerns, explain what may come next, and help you take the steps needed to protect your future. You can call the office at 814-622-4511 or contact Attorney Natalie online to schedule a free consultation.
When you are ready, Attorney Natalie will be here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact the law firm directly.