(Guest post, US criminal law) If you have just been arrested for your first DUI, then you may be feeling confused and frightened. You may be wondering about which steps you should take to make sure that you get the best defense possible, and you may even have questions about your future, such as whether your license will be suspended or immediately revoked. No matter how much you had to drink at the time of the arrest, you need to try to fight your DUI. Here are some steps to take that will help protect you and help you get a better outcome at your trial.
Agree to Take the Chemical Test
The chemical test is formulated to show the officers an array of information, including your blood alcohol level. This tells them how much alcohol is in your bloodstream at that particular time. Most states require you to take the chemical test, and it is punishable by law if you decline. Even if you decline the field sobriety test, you should agree to the chemical test. You have too much to lose by refusing it.
Talk to a DUI Attorney
Since DUI laws are often very detailed and complicated, a general attorney is not qualified to help you get the best results at your trial. You will need to contact an attorney that specializes in DUI cases. He will have the experience and extensive knowledge necessary to represent your case appropriately.
Find a Bail Bondsman
After your arrest, it is likely that you will need to post bail in order to be released. The best way to do this is to use a bail bondsman. You will be required to pay the bondsman a fee, and he will then pay the court. He guarantees that you will appear at your hearings, which means that he will search for you if you miss your court date.
Ask for a DMV Hearing
A DMV hearing determines if you will be able to retain your driver’s license. You must ask for a DMV hearing within 10 days of the arrest or your license will be suspended automatically.
Plan Your Defense
At your arraignment, it is very important that you plead not guilty to the DUI charges. When you have a qualified DUI attorney representing you, he may be able to deliver a convincing case in your favor. Once you have pleaded not guilty, your case will go to a jury trial. This is when your DUI attorney will attempt to show that you were not actually driving drunk or that there were other merits of the case that should be challenged.
Brett represents people charged with drunk driving in the Houston area. His firm, the Law Office of Brett A. Podolsky, has successfully defended dozens of DWI cases.
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