What Should You Do After Being Charged With a DUI?
Getting charged with a DUI can be a very difficult time, but there are steps you can take to help make the experience easier. Below you will find tips on what you should do after being charged with a DUI, including what to do if you have to drive.
Record all of the details you can remember about your arrest
Getting a DUI can be an emotional experience. There’s a lot of stress to contend with, and not everyone is lucky enough to get a ride home. The best thing to do is to record all of the details you can remember, and to hire a lawyer who will help you navigate the minefield that is the criminal justice system. The best lawyers have a knack for delivering the best possible outcome. For example, you may be surprised to find out that the DUI may not be a crime after all. Using an attorney to fight for you can be the best move you make in the wake of a drunk driving arrest. Using an attorney is also the only way to ensure that your rights aren’t trampled upon the night. You have no control over the time your lawyer spends with you, so it’s important to have a sound legal defense.
Fortunately, the best lawyers aren’t all that expensive, and many of them are willing to make you an offer. If you’ve been charged with a DUI, don’t wait for a call from an uncaring prosecutor; contact a local firm today.
Hire a lawyer to represent you in court
Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI charge, you need to hire a lawyer to represent you in court. After all, the consequences of a conviction are staggering. The charges can lead to jail time, lost driving privileges, and diminished job prospects.
A criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea deal for you, lowering the charge and the possible sentence. In some cases, they may even be able to get the charges dismissed. An experienced attorney can point out weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
If you are a first time offender, you may be able to qualify for leniency in your case. This can include a treatment program, traffic school, or both. The cost of these programs varies, but can range from $150 to $500.
Depending on your case, your attorney might be able to file several motions to suppress evidence. This can include admissions made to a police officer or other prisoner, or your refusal to take a blood test.
Stay out of trouble on social media
Whether you are facing drunk driving charges or any other type of crime, it’s important to stay out of trouble on social media. Although most people use these sites to keep in touch with friends and family, you need to be aware of how they can be used against you in a criminal case. Having a criminal attorney in your corner can help you understand the risks you face.
Investigators can use social media posts to establish a timeline of events leading up to your arrest. This could include the location you are at, the times and dates of check-ins to places like bars and restaurants, and the types of activities you are engaged in.
Even postings by friends can be incriminating. The term “overshare” refers to people who post too much personal information on social media. Including crimes committed, such as sexual assault, can be included in the overshare.
Some people attempt to delete incriminating posts from their social media accounts, but this may not be enough to protect you. In fact, prosecutors can get subpoenas to recover deleted posts.
Prepare your defense
Whether you’ve been arrested for DUI or simply need to prepare your defense, you should consult with an attorney. This can help you avoid unnecessary charges, protect your driving privileges and negotiate a plea deal.
An experienced DUI lawyer can help you determine the best course of action in your case. He or she will examine the details of your case and look for evidence of unfair treatment. This can include illegitimate police conduct, the cause of a traffic stop, or the use of unreliable field sobriety tests.
In some cases, an attorney can obtain evidence that shows the driver was not drunk. These documents can be obtained through a discovery request. The prosecutor may give your attorney a copy of the police report. The police report contains the officer’s recollection of the events and the results of the field sobriety tests.
It is important to have a thorough assessment of your alcohol and drug use by a qualified counselor. This professional evaluation can show the judge that you are taking the charges seriously and do not pose a threat to your future.