Have you recently been arrested for a DUI?
Around one million drivers are arrested for a DUI every year. Driving under the influence is a severe charge, but you do have options. The best thing you can do now is fully cooperating with the law and set yourself up for success in court by properly preparing for what’s ahead. So, always trust on Gilbert DUI Attorney.
Before you appear in court, there are some important things that you need to know. Here are five things you need to do after you’re arrested for a DUI and during your court proceedings:
- Hire a Lawyer
One of the first things you need to do after being arrested for a DUI is hiring a DUI attorney from Tampa to put together your defense. With a charge as serious as a DUI, you need professional legal help on your side.
Your attorney will meet with you to get to know your case and help you understand your legal options. They will also be there with you every step of the way to help you decide how to plea, how to develop your defense case, and what to do in court. Contact the Prentiss Law Office if you have questions or need a lawyer.
- Seek Drug or Alcohol Treatment
After a DUI arrest, it can help your defense if you immediately seek professional treatment for drug or alcohol addiction. You might not think you need rehab, but getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking or using drugs is a serious sign that you need treatment.
Consult your lawyer, as well as your friends and family, to determine if checking into a rehab treatment center is right for you. A judge might be more forgiving during sentencing if you’ve already shown your commitment to making changes. If you’ve been suspended for refusing a breathalizer test in Florida, speak to The Ladan Law Firm to understand your options to challenge the suspension.
- Clear Your Driving Record
Another step you can take to look good in front of a judge is to clean up your past driving history.
A clean driving record before your DUI will look best, but even if you have past offenses, you want to make sure that everything has been paid, you’ve attended any required training, or completed community service.
- Fund Your Defense
Next, you’ll need to make sure you have enough money pulled together for your defense. The DUI defense process can be long, and there could be many different costs you’ll need to have covered.
First, you might need to post bail. Next, you’ll need to pay for your attorney and legal fees, as well as professional drug or alcohol treatment, if you decide that is the right option for you. Be prepared to take out a loan or liquidate some of your assets to cover these costs.
- Attend All Court Proceedings
The best thing you can do after being arrested for a DUI is to follow the legal process properly and never show up late or miss a court date.
Your first court date will likely be your arraignment, which is where you will hear the charges you face and enter in a plea, such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest.
Your legal team should offer guidance on what to wear and how to address the judge in court. You should always dress professionally and treat everyone in a calm and courteous manner.
Learn More About What To Do After You’re Arrested For a DUI
Being arrested for a DUI is extremely serious, and you could face jail time, heavy fines, license suspension, community service, and more. The best thing you can do is hire professional legal help to build the best defense case possible.
If you still have questions about what to do after a DUI arrest, make sure you check out the rest of our website for more helpful advice.