What To Do If You Have Been Charged With DUI
What To Do If You Have Been Charged With DUI
This is a challenging question that arises frequently by those who have been charged with driving under the influence. Here are a few simple tips you should follow if you ever find yourself in this situation:
1. Stay Calm and Be Polite
Perhaps one of the most basic and most important aspects of dealing with this type of event is to always remain calm and be polite. Most experts would agree that it is best not to answer any questions and to not take a field sobriety test or a PBT (portable breath test). Being courteous and cooperative is still important and essential to ensuring that the process goes as easy and smoothly as possible. Courtesy is essential because in some rare cases individuals have been released from the scene and allowed to call someone to come pick them up.
2. Call a Family Member or Friend ASAP
Anytime an arrest has occurred it is important to call a family member or friend as soon as possible. This can have important implications in court as someone can testify that they spoke with you and that you sounded normal and not inebriated. A third-party could easily testify that an individual did not show any signs of slurred slow speech. It is also important to request to speak with an attorney.
3. Write Down an Accurate, Detailed Timeline of Everything
Another excellent strategy for handling a DUI arrest is to establish a detailed and accurate timeline of everything that occurred leading up to the arrest. This would include everything from what you were drinking to where you were drinking as well as with whom you were drinking and when you were drinking. It is best to write down this information as soon as possible so that important evidence and information is not lost. This information should be provided to your DUI attorney in preparation for your defense. Equally important is to retain any receipts for purchases made with regard to alcohol or food.
4. Make a List of All Witnesses
Making a comprehensive list of all or any witnesses who were present leading up to the arrest or during the arrest can only serve to help a case.
5. Seek Legal Representation
Countless people are arrested each and every day across the country for DUI whether or not they have been drinking. It is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible as a way to ensure an adequate defense to allegations and charges that are sometimes not true.