Navigating a DUI Arrest in Florida: Important Steps to Take

Facing drunk driving charges in Florida can be a daunting experience. The state’s lawmakers have taken a hard stance against anyone caught operating a vehicle while under the influence, so it’s likely that you will be strapped with harsh penalties and left to deal with even harsher consequences.

However, you will have an opportunity to fight the charges to have your penalties reduced. As such, you should consider your next steps carefully as taking the right actions immediately after your arrest could bolster your defense and improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.

Let’s look at a few steps you should follow in the wake of a DUI arrest:

1. Apply to Reinstate Your License

Following a drunk driving arrest, your driving privileges will usually be revoked, so you will be unable to operate a motor vehicle. However, law enforcement officers should’ve issued you with a citation that will serve as a temporary driving permit for up to 10 days after the arrest.

During this time, you will have a chance to attend a hearing to have your license reinstated. However, navigating this process can be incredibly tricky and there are many ways in which you could compromise both your pending case and ability to restore your driving privileges. As such, you may benefit from meeting with a criminal defense attorney who can provide invaluable assistance during this challenging chapter of your life.

2. Stay Away from Social Media

Anything you post online could be leveraged as evidence to convict you, from comments to reviews to your pictures. As such, you should deactivate your profiles for the duration of proceedings so that you won’t be tempted to share anything about the arrest, your charges, or other information that might negatively affect the outcome of your case. If a social media blackout isn’t possible for you, you should ramp up your privacy settings and abstain from posting until your case has been concluded.

3. Start a Case Folder

Building a strong case requires an organized approach. From stashing away receipts from the day of your arrest to saving backups of photos and videos taken on that fateful day, consolidating this information in a safe place will ensure it’s available when it comes time to prepare your defense. In addition to such proof, you should also save copies of any correspondence with police and other parties, the names and contact details of eyewitnesses, and dashcam footage from when you were stopped.

4. Reach Out to an Attorney

While you could defend yourself in court, navigating criminal proceedings is a notoriously complicated undertaking. Hiring a lawyer with in-depth knowledge of the state’s court system and proceedings will give you access to reliable guidance, support, and tenacious representation. A DUI lawyer can help with almost every aspect of your defense, from investigating the arrest itself to gathering the proof needed to dismantle the prosecution’s case against you.

Discuss Your Situation with a DUI Lawyer in Port St. Lucie

Were you arrested for driving under the influence? Taking the right steps right now could make all the difference. Attorney Todd A. Kawecki is ready to help guide you through the next few weeks, providing aggressive representation and round-the-clock support.

With experience working as a prosecutor, Todd knows exactly what it takes to help you secure a favorable outcome. Dial 772-485-4500 or jump to our contact page HERE to request a free case assessment with a Florida DUI lawyer.