If you just got pulled over and charged with a DUI, you probably have many thoughts and panic running through your head. Don’t make stupid mistakes that will get you into even more trouble. Here are three things you should do now if you just got a DUI.
Write down all the details.
As soon as you can document information, sit down and write down every detail, you can think about your DUI events. These details can be the make-or-break point of winning or losing a case. Even if it seems insignificant, write it down. It’s important to do this immediately, as your memory will fade as time passes, and you have the best chance of remembering minute details as close to the event as possible. Here are some questions you can use to jog your memory:
When were you stopped? Where were you arrested? What reason did the officer give for your stop? Did they administer a breath test? What kind of breath test device was it? What did you tell the officer about what you had to eat or drink? What sort of sobriety tests did they do?
Take the time to write down everything you can remember, but keep it confidential. You’ll thank yourself for doing this later.
Find witnesses
Thinking back to your DUI details, list potential witnesses in your case. Who did you interact with that day leading up to the DUI event? Are there other friends, family, or acquaintances you can ask to testify on your behalf in court? Having a character witness present when the events happen may be helpful but can attest to your character strength.
Gather as many witnesses as possible, and get them to make their statements quickly. If they help your case, you must collect details quickly so their memories don’t fade and blur.
Hire a DUI lawyer.
Hiring a great lawyer is one of the most important things to do when you get into DUI trouble. Your lawyer will provide you counsel, defend you in the course, and give you the best possible chance of a positive outcome with your case.
The bottom line is: DUI cases involve a lot of science. Having a lawyer on your side who is familiar with the process and all the pieces involved in testing reports and evidence is crucial. If your arrestor didn’t follow one specific scientific procedure in your DUI process, it might negate the entire case. Hiring a lawyer with experience in forensic science will work in your favor.
And don’t just hire the first lawyer you meet with – work quickly, but work smart. Find someone who’s close by to where you live, so they are accessible (for example, if you live in Portland, a great place to start your search for a lawyer is by searching “DUI Attorney Portland Oregon.”)
