What started out as a traffic stop escalated into an embarrassing roadside arrest. Now, you find yourself facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges. If the state convicts you, the penalties could include jail time, fines and a lengthy license suspension.
You may not know what to do next after securing your release post-arrest. It is hard to plan for the future when you don’t know the next step that you should take. Some people feel so overwhelmed about DUI charges that they just plead guilty even if they think they didn’t actually commit a crime.
Taking the right steps after your arrest can help you fight back against those DUI charges. What do you need to do?
Find professional help
Even if you are a lawyer, representing yourself would be a mistake. It is hard to remain calm and rational when your future is at risk during a criminal trial. Having a lawyer represent you means that there is someone to speak on your behalf in court. It also means that there is someone to help you analyze the situation and inform you of your rights and options.
Review the evidence against you
Every DUI case is a little bit different. Everything from your medical history to the maintenance records for the breath testing device that the officer used could impact your case.
You have the right to fully access the evidence the state intends to use against you before you go to court. Reviewing that evidence can be a good starting point for your defense. Once you understand the situation, you can choose a defense strategy that might work given the circumstances.
Prepare to go to court
In limited circumstances, an attorney could potentially have the charges against you thrown out before you ever go to court. Major issues with the traffic stop or the evidence used to justify the charges could lead to a lawyer keeping you out of court entirely.
Many successful DUI defenses take place in the courtroom, so you need to be ready to go to court. From practicing so that you can speak calmly in courts and present your best self to adjusting your social media practices, there are many ways to prepare for a criminal trial.
When you have the right legal advice and a good strategy, going to court to defend yourself against DUI charges won’t seem so intimidating.