Helpful Tips To Build a Strong Defense for Your DUI Case
If you are arrested for DUI, you may wonder what to do next. It doesn’t matter if this is your first DUI arrest or your fifth, taking action and speaking to an attorney as soon as possible is highly recommended. Finding and hiring a DUI attorney will help you build a strong defense for your case and give you the best chance possible for a favorable outcome.
Keep in mind, the penalties for driving under the influence vary. They can range from a Class 1 Misdemeanor all the way to a Class 4 Felony. Having an attorney helping you fight the charges is paramount to reducing the whatever consequence you may face.
Here are some steps you can take to work with your attorney and build your DUI defense.
Gather Paperwork Related to Your Arrest
It is a good idea to obtain copies of the police reports related to your arrest. You should also hang on to any other paperwork that you were given when you were arrested. At a minimum, you should keep your citations, court information, bonding paperwork, and license suspension paperwork somewhere safe. You also need any information you were given during your Breathalyzer test.
Write a Description of Everything That Happened Before Your Arrest
You should be prepared to explain everything that happened before the police pulled you over. If you were drinking, make sure you identify where you were drinking, how much you had to drink and when. If you did not drink, describe any over-the-counter medication you took, along with any prescription medication. All of this information will help your attorney represent you and you will be expected to share it with everyone involved in the case.
Recall What Took Place During the Arrest
In some cases, your attorney can build a case around something the police may have done wrong or not done at all when they pulled you over. That’s why it’s important to take some time to recall and document everything that happened in detail.
For example, did you agree to the field sobriety test? Did the arresting officer read you your rights and the consequences you may face if you refused the test? How did the officer conduct the test? What did they require you to do? If, during your arrest, for example, you took a blood test to determine your alcohol levels, where and when was this test done? What type of test was used – urine, blood, or breath? Taking note of these details as soon as you can will help you recollect them accurately.
Miranda Rights Considerations
The police are often, yet not always, required to read you your rights, which include the right to remain silent and your right to seek help from an attorney. If you happen to incriminate yourself during questioning, this can be used against you. In some cases, if these rights are not read to you, your case will be thrown out completely. This is something your attorney can determine.
Statements You Gave Law Enforcement Officials Before, During, and After Your Arrest
When you are arrested for DUI, anything you say may be used against you if your case goes to court. In most cases, remaining silent is the best option. If you said anything before, during, or after the arrest, be sure to let your attorney know. They should know what information may be used against you to help them prepare your defense. You need to hire a DUI Attorney Lexington so that your strong case can lead to lighter sentences or, in some cases, complete dismissals of DUI charges.
If you are arrested for DUI, there are several factors to keep in mind. Be sure to keep this information in mind and hire an attorney as soon as possible. This will help ensure you get the quality defense you need and that the consequences you face for your DUI are not as severe as they could have been without an attorney’s help.