5 Steps to Take After Being Arrested for a DUI
If you have recently gotten arrested because of driving under the influence, then you must follow the key five steps. The thing about DUI’s is that much of the evidence needed to convict you is gathered at the point of arrest. If you’re in the situation where you are considering a DUI defense attorney, then you no doubt had to do a breathalyzer test, which is all they need. But it isn’t the end of the world. Many people lead regular lives after getting arrested for driving under the influence. So if you are worried about your future, don’t. Let’s first worry about your case and getting your charges down as much as possible. The first thing you need to do is follow the following five steps our team at the Law Office of McKamey & Williams recommends. By following these, you are doing yourself and your case a huge favor. Let’s get into it.
Step 1: Find a Ride Home
After you fail the breathalyzer test, the cops are going to arrest you and take you to jail. When you get to jail, they are going to go through the usual booking routine, the mugshot, etc. Eventually, you are going to be allowed to call someone, and they will be able to post your bail and pick you up. You are likely to have a suspended license right now and will not be able to drive. Keep this in mind. Do not risk driving your car or driving at all while you are sorting the situation out. Getting caught driving on a suspended license is a second-degree misdemeanor in Florida and will only make your case worse.
Step 2: Write Down Your Court Date
When you post bail and are leaving jail, you are going to get a court date. Be sure to immediately plug this into your phone, write it down on your calendar, and even tell a friend or family member if you have to. Remember to clear your calendar on this date. It’s best to have nothing else scheduled. That means you should call work or school and let them know that you are not going to be there that day. Do not forget this date. Showing up for your court date will show that you care about your situation and are looking to make things right.
Step 3: Call an Attorney
Some people don’t think an attorney is necessary for a crime such as a DUI; however, a DUI can be a severe crime. More so, if you injured or killed someone in an accident. Reach out to the Law Office of McKamey & Williams and speak with our attorneys about your case. Even if you were drunk that day and knew what you did was wrong, it doesn’t mean you have to be found guilty or guilty of that crime. Many people with attorneys can get their charge down to reckless driving or, if found guilty, avoid jail time. An attorney will also be able to help you get your driver’s license back.
Step 4: Prepare for Your Court Date
Being prepared for your court date is critical and is another part where an attorney can be valuable. The first thing you are going to need to do is to secure a ride to the court. Find someone you trust who will get you there early and will be able to take you home. Sometimes the court will allow you to drive to work, school, and other necessary places through a hardship license, but we wouldn’t bet on it. Depending on how you plan on pleading will determine how much you need to prepare. Pleading not guilty will require much more preparation with your attorney than a guilty plea would.
Step 5: Insurance and Other Requirements
After your court date, you will know a little bit more about where you stand. If you avoided jail time and instead were given classes to take, probation, and drug tests, make sure to do all of those things to perfection. There is no room for error. Also, look at an S-22 insurance form. Your rates are going to be incredibly high after your DUI and will likely remain high for some time. It’s better to know what you are dealing with sooner rather than later.
Contact the Law Office of McKamey & Williams Today to Learn More
If you have recently gotten arrested for a DUI, contact our team at the Law Office of McKamey & Williams immediately at (561) 220-6708. The sooner you have legal help, the better your case will fair in court. In the meantime, follow the above five steps. In a time like this, doing everything to perfection is key.