Have you been caught dealing with a DUI or DWI charge? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, More than 1.5 million people are cited for DUI charges each year.
Getting charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated) isn’t fun, but it’s important to know what to do when you are charged. If you find yourself in this situation, keep reading. This article gives you five crucial steps that you need to take if you’re going through the DUI/DWI process.
- Use Your Right to Remain Silent
It’s essential to use your right to remain silent if you get arrested for DUI. Once law enforcement determines that you’ll need to be arrested for the crime you committed, they will not un-arrest you no matter how much you plead your case to the officer.
Even if you have a good reason to get out of your ordeal, it’s best not to talk because you may accidentally say something that the prosecution will use against you.
- Seek Legal Counsel
Once you are arrested it’s best to seek legal counsel. If you have an attorney, be sure to call them once you have access to a phone. If you don’t, be sure to call all-around to find an attorney that specializes in criminal.
Hiring an attorney will be your best bet to getting out of your DUI charges or getting your sentencing or charges reduced. For more info, visit DUI Goodbye.
- Make All of Your Court Hearings
If you are released on bail, you’ll need to make sure you attend all of your court proceedings. This means showing up to court on time and looking your best. Failure to do so will get you into more legal trouble are back in jail. Most states require a defendant to appear in court 30 days after your arrest.
- Detail Everything That Happened
Once you are released, it’s important to write down the details of everything that happened that night. If you have a lawyer, present your details so you can both cover over a solid defense in court. Go over the following questions when detailing the events.
- Did the police ask you about your driving?
- Did they make you take a sobriety test?
- Did they ask to go through your car?
- Did they do a breathalyzer test?
- Was a blood test an option?
Answering these questions will help you remember what happened that night and will also give your lawyers the details needed to go over your defense.
- Look Into SR-22 Insurance
Your driver’s license will likely be revoked, suspended, or have limitations. Your insurance company will presumably terminate your policy if you have your license.
You’ll still need insurance to drive, and SR-22 insurance will give you additional liability in case you get in trouble again. DUI laws for most states mandate those convicted of a DUI or DWI charge carry SR-22 for a minimum of 3 years. Not having SR-22 insurance can cause more legal ramifications if not obtained.
What’s Next After a DUI or DWI Charge?
After a DWI charge, the best thing you can do is to comply with all requirements such as probation or parole terms, fines, etc… and stay out of trouble.
Taking drug and alcohol abuse therapy is also an excellent option to deal with underlying problems. The bottom line, staying out of trouble and listening to your attorney is the best ways to fight your DUI charges and to go down a more positive path in life.
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