If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you certainly have many worries and concerns about what you should and shouldn’t do. This article will walk you through a list of actions you should avoid at this critical time, so that you can be in the best position to resolve your case as favorably as possible.
- Don’t panic or give up. A DUI can be one of the most stressful events in your life, so it’s understandable that you might panic or want to give up on all the good things you are doing in your life, like work or fulfilling family responsibilities. Hire a great attorney as soon as possible and let your attorney guide you through this experience. Ask your attorney a lot of questions, so that you understand the process. Don’t berate yourself for what can’t be changed and focus on problem solving in the future.
- Don’t delay in hiring an attorney. Don’t delay in hiring your attorney because you will have a DMV hearing typically prior to the resolution of your DUI case in court. After an arrest for DUI, the officer is required by law to immediately forward a copy of the notice of suspension or revocation form and any driver license taken into possession to the DMV. The DMV automatically conducts an administrative review that includes an examination of the officer’s report, the suspension or revocation order, and any test results. You have the right to request a hearing from the DMV within 10 days of receipt of the suspension or revocation order, and your attorney can assist you in the DMV hearing.
- Don’t drive on a suspended or revoked license, don’t get another DUI, and don’t commit any other crimes. Although it seems fairly obvious that you shouldn’t drive on a suspended or revoked license or commit any other crimes, it is somewhat common for defendants to slip up in this area. This is a risk you do not want to take. The penalties are enhanced for subsequent DUI offenses. Plan ahead. Look at public transportation or find someone to drive you to work so that you don’t get in a situation where you feel forced to drive on a suspended or revoked license. If you are attending an event or party, make sure that your keys are safely out of your reach and that you are prepared to take a cab or Uber. Discuss with your attorney and your family the strategies you will employ to avoid getting in trouble.
- Don’t post publicly on Facebook or Social Media. Consider changing your public social media accounts to private. Do you have pictures of yourself with a drink in hand on the night you were arrested for the DUI? You can’t destroy or delete evidence, but you are not under obligation to keep your social media account public. Also, refrain from posting any new information about the DUI. Consult with your attorney about information on your social media accounts, as he or she will be in the best position to advise you how pictures or posts may impact your case.
- Don’t forget to write down what happened right away. Your memory is best when it’s fresh, so take the time right after your DUI to sit down and write everything you can remember:
- When, where, and how were you stopped?
- What did the officer say when he stopped you?
- What did you tell the officer?
- What type of tests did you do?
- How did you perform on those tests?
- Was a breath test administered? Where, when and how?
- Was there anything that impacted the tests? busy traffic, health impediments, etc.
In sum: The most important step you need to take right now is to relax and look to building your case by finding a good attorney as soon as possible, avoiding escalating your problems with other offenses, being aware of your public posts, and recording your recollections as soon as possible to assist your attorney in providing an excellent defense for you.
