What to do after a DUI arrest
Getting arrested for a DUI can lead to serious consequences without legal representation. Driving under the influence charges are variable from state to state, but there are certain steps that may be useful when preparing for your court hearing.
Getting legal help
During this process, you will most likely be offered three choices for legal help that include obtaining a court-appointed public defender, hiring your own attorney or just representing yourself for your case. In many cases, you may be better off getting professional help versus representing yourself in court.
It might be more likely that you will minimize your punishments if you have an attorney on your case. A lawyer can also provide you with the necessary information about general DUI cases and how the state laws may be applicable to your charges.
Getting the right DUI attorney
When hiring an attorney, you may want to ask him the percentage of DUI cases that he has handled in the past and what the attorney is willing to provide you.
It might be in your best interest to find an attorney that is wiling to take your side on the case and who already has a successful record with DUI cases.
Knowing what to expect for your court date can ultimately allow you to cover all the aspects of your case. In general, a DUI attorney can present the various stages of the hearing and how to be ready for each scenario.
Finding DUI information on your own
Researching for further information on DUI cases may also help you to understand what kinds of questions you may want to ask your lawyer and the possible outcomes that might be administered. Along those lines, you may also want to get familiar with your state DUI laws.
Normally, the court system is set up to convict those who have been arrested for DUI charges. Even if the offense is a misdemeanor, a DUI is usually followed by a conviction.
If you become familiarized with the state statutes and similar DUI cases, then you may have a better sense of what to expect, how you can present your case and what your rights are as the offender.
The court process
The arraignment generally begins the court proceedings. At this point, you may declare you are guilty, not guilty or a no contest plea.
If you decide to plead not guilty, then your attorney may begin fighting the charge. The consequences for a DUI are contingent upon your case and the state’s statutes.
A DUI on your record
Having a DUI on your record can also make it difficult for future employment opportunities as these convictions could stay on your criminal record for up to ten years. This may be a good reason to take your case to court and fight to get minimal punishments with the help of a DUI attorney.
