Being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be a scary experience. It’s even worse if this is your first time.
Maybe you’re wondering, what steps to take first. Will you lose your driving license? And yes, whether you had a single drink or not, the results of a DUI arrest in Clear Lake can be the same. Therefore, taking appropriate steps after your arrest is vital to your protection and the outcome of your case.
Here are the important steps to take after a DUI arrest.
- Take a Chemical Step After the Arrest
It is a requirement and punishable under the law if refused. The test seeks to show a variety of information including the current alcohol level in your blood.
From this level, the arresting officer can work back the level of alcohol in your blood at the time of the arrest. Remember, you have much to lose by refusing the test. Therefore, take the test.
- Do Not Talk to The Police
If a police officer decides to arrest you for DUI, there’s nothing you can do to change their minds. Likewise, nothing you say can prevent the prosecutor from pursuing charges on you after the arrest.
Even if you have an alibi or any other evidence indicating your innocence, don’t engage the police. Once they arrest you, they’ll assume you’re lying or that the evidence you have is fabricated. The best way is to share this evidence with a lawyer who decides on the best way to use it to benefit your case.
Remember, it’s not advisable to talk to the lawyer without your attorney present. If they ask you to talk about your arrest, decline and ask to talk to your lawyer. That way, you’ll avoid sharing information that can be used against you in court.
- Contact an Attorney
Yes, contact a reputable DUI attorney to defend you against the allegations. And be careful not to engage a general attorney for this case. DUI cases are based on DUI laws that are complex and require an in-depth understanding of the legal system in very specific regard. Yes, other licensed attorneys can represent you in court, but only a competent and specialized DUI lawyer can increase the chances of getting a favorable outcome in your defense.
- Record the Details of What Happened
As soon as you’re released from the police cell, record all the details you remember regarding your arrest. You can write it down or save it as a voice note on your phone or laptop. Be sure to write everything you remember from the arrest through to the time you leave police cells.
As you write this down, ask yourself, what did you say to the police? how was the encounter? If the officer pulled you over, what reason did they give for pulling you over? Did they ask you or order you to get out of your car? Did the police ask you to do field sobriety tests?
- Identify Potential Witnesses
If you were arrested for a DUI, the chances are that you were either coming from a friend’s place, bar, or restaurant. You were hanging out with people before the arrest. Therefore, create a list of the people you were with before the arrest. These people may testify that you didn’t have much of anything to drink before you got behind the wheel.
Conclusion
A DUI case is different from most criminal cases. Therefore, if you want the best results for your case, then engage a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of DUI. That’s the only way to keep your license and avoid spending time in jail.
