Protecting Yourself After A DUI Arrest

DUI Arrest: Protecting Yourself

If you recently experienced a DUI arrest and are asking yourself what to do now, just know that you are not alone. Being faced with a criminal charge can be scary and you may understandably be worried about your future. In the article below, we have provided information about how to protect yourself during this time. And if you have additional questions or need legal representation right away, then contact a drunk driving law firm near you as soon as possible.

Write Down Your Side

DUI arrest cases can be won or lost depending on the details. Once you are out of the situation and have a moment to reflect, write down how the arrest happened through your perspective, including every detail you can remember. It doesn’t matter how significant or unimportant a detail may seem at first, jot it down so that your lawyer can get a full understanding of what you went through. Write down contact information for witnesses or those who were riding in the car with you at the time. After a lawyer reviews your case, they may notice that the officer failed to do something or had committed a violation of your rights, which could be used to get your case reduced or dropped.

Private Your Profile

In the era of smartphones and social media, we have more access to people’s personal lives than ever before. What you post online after your DUI arrest can be used against you in the case. Prosecutors frequently scour the internet hoping to find incriminating photos or posts that can make you appear guilty. When presented out of context, public social media posts can tarnish your reputation enough to tip the jury against you, even if the evidence is innocent. Make your profile private and still avoid posting or sending messages on that platform until your case has closed.

Gather Witnesses

Witnesses can be impactful and strengthen your defense, so write down the names and contact of people who support your side of the story. Talk to family, friends, and other people who saw you right before, during, or after your stop. Your experienced legal team, can speak with witnesses to confirm that their testimony will be beneficial to your case. Obtaining witness statements shortly after the arrest will be important, since memory quickly fades as hours and days pass by. A strong alibi or witness statement can make the difference between receiving a guilty or not guilty verdict, so choose your witnesses wisely and take their words seriously.

Copy of Police Report

Anyone who has been arrested has the right to obtain a copy of the police report, which will contain most of the evidence that will be used against you. This report may have the details of the field sobriety test, breathalyzer or lab results, and more. Your lawyer can review this document closely to identify the prosecution’s angle against you and how to create a defense. If there are errors on the report itself, this can be enough to get a charge dropped or reduced. Get a copy of the police report to show your lawyer so they can work to protect you.

FAQs

1. What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?

Write down your perspective of the event, including every detail you can remember, and gather contact information for any witnesses.

2. Should I make my social media profiles private after a DUI arrest?

Yes, prosecutors may use your public posts against you in court.

3. How can witnesses help in a DUI case?

Witnesses can provide additional evidence and strengthen your defense.

4. Can I obtain a copy of the police report after a DUI arrest?

Yes, you have the right to obtain a copy of the police report, which will contain most of the evidence that will be used against you.

5. What can a lawyer do with the police report?

Your lawyer can review the police report to identify the prosecution’s angle against you and how to create a defense.

Additional Resources

Understanding the legal process and your rights is crucial after a DUI arrest. Here are some additional resources that can help:

• Alcoholics Anonymous: A community of men and women who share their experiences with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Provides information on alcohol, alcohol use, and treatment resources.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Offers information on substance abuse and mental health services, including treatment referrals.
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving: A nonprofit organization seeking to stop drunk driving, support those affected by drunk driving, and prevent underage drinking.
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: Provides education, information, help, and hope to the public.

We are here for you!

Being arrested for a DUI can be a frightening experience, but you don’t have to face it alone. By taking the steps outlined in this article, you can protect yourself and build a strong defense. Remember, it’s important to contact a drunk driving law firm as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected. If you need legal representation, don’t hesitate to contact us today.