Being arrested for DUI is confusing, scary, and can leave you wondering what to do next. The steps you take in the days after your arrest can help to shape your defense, so it is important to know some basics. The first thing you need to do, and this happens the day of arrest, is to bond out of jail and make arrangements to get your car back if it has been impounded. After that, take a breath and a moment to gather your thoughts, so you will be ready to help with the defense of your case. While a qualified DUI defense attorney will handle the legal aspects of your defense, your input is vital to a successful outcome.
The first five days after a DUI arrest should be spent doing the following things:
- Day one: call an attorney and make an appointment to discuss your case as soon as possible. If not that day, then within the next two days is best.
- Day two (or three): sit down with your attorney and tell him or her how the arrest happened. This is the time for you to tell your side of the story, and also to make sure your attorney has the information needed to request an administrative review of your driver’s license revocation. This review is required to be requested within ten days of your arrest, and it is always best to do it right away rather than wait until the last day.
- Day four: keep quiet about the case, unless you are talking to your attorney. By now you might be feeling OK about the incident, and ready to “unload” on a good friend. But doing so might put your case in jeopardy, so it is best to keep your communications protected by only talking to your attorney about your case.
- Day five: make sure your attorney has all the information they need, then rest easy knowing your case is in good hands. You might be tempted to try and figure out some of the steps on your own, but doing so may cause more anxiety. If you are unsure about what is going on, or what to expect at an upcoming hearing, call your attorney.
It is possible to live a normal life while your case is pending, and we can help. By letting us handle your DUI case for you, you take that stress off of yourself, so you can keep up with school or work.
If you questions about DUI cases, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Stuart and the Treasure Coast for answers. Your first visit is a free consultation and we work with you to reach results that fit your needs.