How to Handle a Drunk Driving Charge

Drunk driving is far from a run of the mill traffic infraction. A person who is convicted often faces several consequences. Incarceration may seem to be the most severe, but it is not the only one that can dramatically affect a person's life.

Drunk drivers may be ordered to pay hefty fines, to engage in community service, to enroll in alcohol abuse programs, and they usually have their driving licenses suspended or revoked. The financial burden, the time demands, and the lack of transportation can take a significant toll. This is why it is important to make sure that if you are charged with drunk driving, you handle the situation appropriately.

Recollecting Your Arrest

For many people, DUI or DWI arrests generate feelings of hopelessness because they assume that everyone accused is found guilty. Actually, there are numerous instances where individuals beat these cases or have their charges reduced. This is most likely to be possible when it can be shown that errors occurred during the arrest process.

As soon as possible following the announcement that you are charged with drunk driving, you need to write down as many details as you can remember. This includes the reasons that the officer gave for stopping you, any field sobriety tests you took, and comments that the officer made about your performance.

You should have been given the opportunity to have a blood alcohol test. Try to remember all of the details regarding how it was administered and what was said to you before and after. If you refused to take the test, it is especially important to try to remember these conversations, since you may face additional charges.

Adhering To The Conditions

After you are released from police custody, you should do everything that is required of you. If your driver's license were suspended abstain from driving until your privileges are restored. When you begin driving again make sure that you do not do so while under the influence. Furthermore, make sure that you appear promptly for any scheduled court hearings.

Get A Lawyer

With so much at stake, you should not attempt to proceed through a drunk driving case without legal representation. Following your arrest, you should immediately hire an attorney and report everything that you recalled about your stop and arrest to him. Favorable results may be possible but they are unlikely without a professional prepared defense.