Protect Yourself: 5 Steps You Need To Take After A DUI Arrest
If you've been arrested on DUI charges, you want to take the situation seriously. A DUI conviction can ruin your life. Unfortunately, many people make serious mistakes following their arrest. Before you make a mistake while awaiting trial for your DUI, here are five important steps you need to take.
Hire an Attorney
After a DUI arrest, the first thing you want to do is seek legal representation. Your situation can go from bad to worse when you try to represent yourself in a DUI case. The prosecution will use everything they can against you, including sobriety tests that might not be as accurate as they should be. Your attorney will know how to handle the evidence that the prosecution intends to use against you.
Refrain From Drinking
If you've been arrested and charged with a DUI, you need to stop drinking while you have an open criminal case pending. If you continue to drink while you're awaiting trial, you run the risk of experiencing another DUI arrest. Unfortunately, if you're arrested for another DUI while you're awaiting trial, your attorney will have a difficult time providing an adequate defense for you. Not only that, but if you're convicted of the charges, your penalties may be even harsher once you have that second arrest pending. Prevent an additional DUI arrest by refraining from alcohol consumption while your case is pending.
Join a Support Group
If this isn't your first DUI arrest, it's important that you join a support group while you're awaiting trial. The judge will want to see that you're taking the charges seriously. Joining a support group will help with your DUI defense. If the judge orders counseling or participation in a support group as part of your conviction, you'll have a head start. Not only that, but the group may be able to help you understand why you keep getting arrested for DUIs.
Talk to Your Employer
If you're facing DUI charges, it's important that you talk to your employer as soon as possible. Sitting down with your employer will give you the opportunity to speak openly and honestly about the charges you're facing, as well as the circumstances that lead to the arrest. Your employer may be more understanding about the arrest if they hear about it from you, instead of from a co-worker.
Be Patient
Finally, if you've been arrested on DUI charges, be patient and let your attorney do their work. You may be in a hurry to get the charges resolved, which means you may want to agree to the first plea offer presented to you. Unfortunately, the first offer may not be the best plea agreement for you. Work with your attorney to ensure that you receive the best plea agreement possible.
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