After your first driving under the influence (DUI) arrest, hire a DUI lawyer to serve as your legal representative and advocate. Next, request a hearing with the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to protect your right to drive. Also, document every detail of your arrest, as doing so can boost your chances of avoiding a DUI conviction.
When in doubt about what to do after a first DUI arrest, seek legal assistance. Talk with a Los Angeles first offense DUI lawyer who will prioritize your legal rights and best interests. Your attorney will provide legal guidance and support, helping you make informed decisions as you fight back against your DUI.
Partner with a Lawyer Before You Do Anything Else After a First DUI Arrest
One of the key things to do after a first DUI arrest is to consult with an attorney who has relevant case experience. Some of the ways that your lawyer will help you following your driving under the influence arrest include:
Investigating Your Arrest
Your lawyer will read police reports, interview witnesses, and consider the evidence that a prosecutor will use against you. From here, your attorney will have a good idea of what they can do to get your first offense DUI dismissed.
Negotiating with the Prosecution
Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, your lawyer may open DUI plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution right away. If these negotiations are successful, your lawyer can get your first offense driving under the influence charge lowered.
Representing You Throughout Your Case Proceedings
If you’re worried you’ll be alone when your DUI case goes to trial, remember, you have access to legal help. Your lawyer will remain on your side at each stage of your legal proceedings. Plus, if you have concerns or questions about California’s DUI penalties or other topics relating to your case, your lawyer will address them promptly.
Ultimately, as you debate what you should do after a first driving under the influence arrest, err on the side of caution. Meet with first offense DUI lawyers who know the ins and outs of California’s criminal justice system. Your lawyer will commit the time and resources required to help you achieve your desired DUI case outcome.
Don’t Wait to Ask for a DMV Hearing After You’ve Been Arrested for Driving Under the Influence
California takes driving under the influence crimes seriously. As such, if you don’t request a DMV hearing within 10 calendar days of your first offense DUI arrest, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for up to a year.
Your lawyer will submit your DMV hearing request before the window in which you’re allowed to do so closes. They will help you prepare for your hearing and establish realistic expectations for it.
At your hearing, your attorney will argue your case and present evidence to a DMV hearing officer, who will decide whether you can keep your driving privileges.
Ideally, a DMV hearing officer sets your driver’s license suspension aside, and you will still have the right to drive. However, even if your hearing is unsuccessful, you may qualify for a restricted license. With this, you can drive under specific conditions, such as for work.
Preserve Evidence from Your First Offense DUI Arrest
An important thing to do after your first DUI arrest is to write down a detailed account of the incident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Your account should include what happened leading up to your arrest, at the time of your DUI traffic stop, and after the police took you into custody.
In addition, if you have photos or videos from the scene of your arrest, share these with your lawyer. Then, your attorney can utilize your evidence as they put together your DUI strategy. If you have a wide range of proof, your attorney is well-positioned to disprove the prosecution’s argument.
Along with these things, think about who could serve as witnesses and testify in your trial on your behalf. For example, friends or family members saw you before you were arrested for a DUI or when you were charged.
These individuals could explain to the court that you were not intoxicated or that police officers violated your legal rights when they arrested you.
Connect with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer for Help With Your Case
What you do after your first offense driving under the influence arrest can have far-reaching effects. If you’re not careful, you risk mistakes that will make it tough to prove to the court that you shouldn’t be convicted.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have decades of combined experience and use what we know to connect those charged with driving under the influence with legal representation.
Trust us to help you get in contact with DUI lawyers who can guide you through the things to do after a first driving under the influence arrest.
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