Driving while intoxicated is both incredibly dangerous and unfortunately incredibly common. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2016. That might sound like a big number, but it’s only about 1% of the estimated 111 million episodes of alcohol-impaired driving that takes place each year.
For some drivers, a drunk driving arrest is a wake-up call. Regardless of the circumstances that led to the arrest, most people are afraid of the severe consequences of a DUI conviction. After getting arrested for drunk driving, it may feel like your entire future is in doubt. However, there are smart steps you can take to try and prepare for the legal challenges in front of you.
Post-DUI Do’s:
First things first, remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone.
Get a DUI attorney: Having the right legal representation can drastically impact your chances of a positive outcome. This is especially true for DUI cases, where having practiced DUI lawyers can help you mount a strong defense.
- Understand the charges: Not all charges for driving under the influence are the same, and not all outcomes will be the same. Make sure you do your research on what exactly you’re being charged with.
- Take Action at the DMV: you may not realize it but you now have both a criminal case and a driver’s license revocation case. This is devastating to most people because of the importance of driving. Speak to an attorney about the license revocation case, determine what needs to be done, and take action.
- Communicate: When working with an attorney, it’s important to be open and honest so they fully understand the circumstances of your case.
- Follow your lawyer’s advice: If your lawyer recommends that you seek counseling or accept a plea deal, you would be wise to take their advice. Ultimately, it’s your future and your decision, but DUI attorneys will have dealt with similar cases before, which means you should listen carefully to their advice.
Post-DUI Don’ts:
- Miss any court appearances: Whether you’re scheduled for an arraignment or you end up needing to surrender your driver’s license, be on time for any scheduled meetings or appearances. Missing your court date could worsen legal matters further.
- Drive on a revoked license or drive recklessly: If you’re already in trouble for driving while intoxicated, don’t escalate the situation by driving recklessly after the incident or driving with a revoked license. Getting pulled over while handling a DUI case can have serious consequences. And if you are arrested for drunk driving a second time, even the best DUI attorneys in the world will struggle to keep you out of jail.
- Go alone: When it’s time to handle your case, don’t go without proper representation. The right attorney or law office can help you out of a difficult situation and will be able to help you navigate the often-complex legal system.
Don’t risk it get the help of DUI lawyers that know how to fight these charges and get the best possible outcome. If you are faced with a DUI charge, contact the experienced lawyers at Maher & Maher Law, we will fight for you. Call (719-301-7500) or text (719-424-0057) Maher & Maher Law today for a free consultation.