4 Steps You Should Take after a Florida DUI Arrest
If you were arrested for driving under the influence, it’s only natural to feel confused over what to do next. Left staring down the barrel of a litany of harsh penalties, it’s all too easy to start feeling completely overwhelmed. However, take a deep breath, stay calm, and consider your next actions carefully.
Following the right steps in the aftermath of a DUI arrest will not only help simplify your life, but could also help you reduce your penalties or even have your charges dismissed. Let’s take a look at some of these steps below:
1. Protect Your Driving Privileges
After a DUI arrest, the arresting officers will usually seize your license and suspend your driving privileges. Fortunately, the citation you received acts as a temporary driving permit, giving you the ability to drive for up to 10 days after the arrest.
During this time, you will need to act quickly to preserve your driving privileges beyond this timeframe. There are many different ways to obtain a Florida Hardship License, so it may be in your best interests to discuss your situation with an attorney to determine which route is best for you.
2. Start a Case Folder
If you are planning to fight your charges, you will need to get organized. Whether it’s compiling receipts from the night of your arrest, saving video files, or screenshotting your social media conversations, there are many different types of evidence that could help you turn the tides in your favor. You should also write down the names and contact information of everyone you spoke to prior to your arrest. Eyewitnesses could provide helpful testimony in your DUI case.
3. Stay Off Social Media
From tweets to Facebook comments to Instagram posts, your social media activity could be used as evidence against you in your DUI case. As such, you should deactivate your accounts to ensure that this content isn’t easily accessible to others. If this isn’t possible in your situation, make sure that you do not mention anything related to the arrest, alcohol use, your social activities, the charges you are facing, or your pending case.
4. Reach Out to an Attorney
While you could attempt to fight the charges on your own, DUI cases can be incredibly complex, and it’s all too easy to make crucial mistakes that could cost you a favorable outcome. A DUI attorney will not only have an in-depth understanding of the relevant laws, statutes, and proceedings, but can also help guide you through the challenging days ahead.
Discuss Your Case with a Port St. Lucie DUI Lawyer
If you were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it might be in your best interests to schedule a consultation with a Port St. Lucie DUI lawyer. Todd A. Kawecki is a former prosecutor arming him with an intimate understanding of what it takes to achieve a favorable outcome in even the most complex cases. Dial 772-238-6091 or click through to our contact form HERE to schedule a free case review.