The US statistics reveal that more than 25% of all traffic-related fatalities are caused by drivers under alcohol influence, causing about thirty road users to lose their lives every day. Driving under the influence is a misdemeanor or felony (depending on your state), attracting penalties harsher than a suspended license.
Indeed, a DUI should not be taken lightly, and visit this site which explains why you need drastic steps to deal with the situation. If you’ve ever been arrested and charged with a normal DUI or DUI manslaughter, you may be familiar with its consequences. However, these steps will be essential when you need to help yourself or another person who’s been charged.
Seek legal counsel immediately
This is the most critical step to take after you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI. Criminal Defense Lawyers are skilled in handling matters of this nature, making it essential to leverage their services. They will help you obtain the necessary police reports and explain the content and implications in a manner that a non-legal mind will understand. They also possess an incredible knowledge of gathering and analyzing evidence to present the best defense possible. Their extensive knowledge of the law puts a DUI Lawyer in the best possible position to help you with the least penalty for your DUI, which is a felony charge.
Request a DMV Hearing
The department of motor vehicles is a government agency at the state level responsible for licensing and registration of drivers and vehicles, respectively. On many occasions, persons arrested for DUI may have their driving license seized by the arresting officer after a breath test or a refusal to get checked. However, because your license has most likely been taken away from you, you need to request a DMV hearing.
You have only seven days (from the day of arrest) to contact the DMV, making it necessary to do so earlier. The agency will also issue you a provisional driving permit to last for sixty days. In some instances, the temporary driving permit will last until your hearing date.
Get a copy of the police report
When you get arrested for a DUI, the officer responsible will provide a written arrest report that includes other information you provide them with. Unfortunately, there have been instances where an officer deliberately or erroneously includes biased information or omits vital details in the written report. That explains why it is critical to have an eyewitness account or an accurate record of how things happened.
Write down or record your account
Are you aware that winning or losing your DUI case depends on the details, regardless of how insignificant they may seem to you? Writing down or recording your side of events before, during, and after the arrest is significant to your case development. Remember that criminal defense lawyers will need unadulterated details of your story to build a solid case.
Therefore, it’s best not to include sloppy and false details to prevent complications. Your best bet is to remain true to the events as they happened without altering the facts. For example, you should write down the following as part of your account:
- Breath test details (if you allowed it)
- Description of conversation with the arresting officer
- When and where you were stopped.
Prepare for your court appearance
Preparing for your court appearance is more than just showing up in person. Before the designated day, your defense lawyer will brief you on what to expect and how to present your case. Additionally, with your legal counsel, you need to plan whether to plead guilty or not. Do not forget to go along with every relevant document required of you at the court.
Keep in mind that you have more work to prove your case when you plan to plead not guilty. That undoubtedly includes more prep work. Indeed, once you have your defense attorney, it wouldn’t be your full responsibility to prepare. As legal professionals, they will know how to begin the preparations, which includes the following:
- Witness account(s)
- Additional vivid recollections from you
- Proof of what you drunk or were intoxicated with.
It’s best to do all you can to prove your case together with your defense attorney, especially if there’s a good reason. DUI is not a charge you can toy with because it can impact your employability and get on your record for life. Moreover, not many employers would like to hire employees with a criminal record. Even in the worst cases, you could lose your driving license for years. Hopefully, you’ll take these steps to build a solid defense and clear your record.