You’ve recently been stopped by the police, accused of DUI and arrested. Here is what to do after you get a DUI. This is a step-by-step guide and information of the steps of a DUI.
It’s natural to have a million thoughts are probably racing through your head. You’re probably very scared. That is normal because you care about your life.
- What do I do now?
- Will I lose my license?
- What about my insurance?
- Who should I talk to?
Additional recommended reading:
The first five things you should do after being accused of a DUI.
Follow these steps and you’ll be well-prepared to make the right decisions for your DUI case.
1. Write Down Everything
Details win cases. Lack of details loses cases. So, write down everything you remember from your DUI stop. Think of the five w’s:
- who,
- what
- when
- where,
- how
When selecting which attorney to hire, please consider:
- Can you call anytime and talk to a live person?
- Do they offer payment plans with no credit checks?
- Will your attorney be attentive and explain what’s going on?
At The McShane Firm, we answer yes to all of these questions. We strive to provide you with a great customer service experience during this tough time.
Then take each one and add your five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.
What about the small things?
No matter how insignificant, write it down. Do it now. Your memory will fade over time. If you wait, you can lose out on important details that might win your case. Here are some questions to jog your memory:
- When and where did the police stop you?
- What reason did the officer give for your stop?
- Was a breath test administered? If so, what did the device look like?
- What did you tell the officer about what you had to eat or drink?
- What sort of tests did they do? (Eye tracking, walk and turn, one leg stand?)
Take some time to write down everything you can remember from the stop. Just don’t share it with anyone but your attorney. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Mark your online profile as private
Remember the phrase “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law?” Well, in this era of social media, anything you post online can and will be used against you too. Prosecutors can and often scour Facebook and other social media looking for incriminating photos or posts to use against DUI defendants especially if they are from that night.
Presented out of context, these public materials can damage your reputation enough to turn a jury against you – even if you’re innocent. Don’t give the other side ammunition. We cannot tell you to remove any incriminating photos or posts of yourself online today, but you can and should mark your profile as private and for heaven’s sake don’t post about the charges, the arrest of anything on line. Keep it private.
3. Find Witnesses
Talk to your friends, family, and acquaintances that you were with that day. Especially if they saw you right before, right after, or even during the traffic stop. Ask them if they would be willing to testify on your behalf in court. Witnesses can go a long way to strengthen your defense. So gather as many as you can. Your attorney will want to get their statements as soon as possible because people forget things rather quickly. A drinking or non-drunk alibi witness can make the difference between guilty and not guilty.
4. Hire the Best DUI Lawyer
This is a fight: a fight for your freedom and for your future. Make no mistake about it. The government wants to hurt you badly. The most important decision you’ll make for your DUI case is which lawyer will fight back for you in court. DUI cases involve a lot of science. In fact, the test reports that are normally the main piece of evidence are supposed to follow specific scientific procedures. Knowing the science behind them better than the scientists, the police and the DA is the only way an attorney can challenge those results. Look at how much training the attorney has in DUI specific courses. Is the attorney a plea attorney or a trial attorney? Do your research like you would any other important decision in your life.
What is The McShane Difference?
- We take time to understand your personal needs and goals. Then we cater our legal strategy to fit you.
- We care about you. We listen and return phone calls. We will take time to explain things so you are not left anxious in the dark.
- We will make this as easy as possible. We will try to minimize the number of times you have to be in court which means less disruption of your work and family life.
Does this sound like what you are looking for in an attorney? If yes, then take the next step and call (717) 657-3900.
Take your time to and meet with a few lawyers before you make your decision. Make sure to ask them about their credentials in forensic science before making a final choice.
Additional recommended reading: Pennsylvania DUI Attorneys
5. Don’t Obsess
Your DUI case is likely among the most stressful events of your life. It’s natural to obsess over the consequences and the outcome. Let your attorney take care of the details. Make sure to maintain good communication with your attorney. Get his or her email. Email works 24/7. Ask about anything that might concern you. An experienced attorney will fight for you case. One of the jobs of a DUI attorney is to take much of the stress and burden off your shoulders. So try to live your life normally. Don’t let this be the trigger to ruin your life.
If you are facing a DUI in Pennsylvania, please Call The McShane Firm at (717) 657-3900. Our experienced DUI attorneys are highly-trained in forensic science and use that knowledge to get favorable results for our clients. Contact us today and see the difference experience makes.
Additional recommended reading:
Our Clients are entitled to a Bill of Rights which states:
- Our clients have the right to expect, we will be proactive in communication. You will hear it from us first. We will return all phone calls, texts and emails promptly.
- Our clients have the right to expect plain speaking, straight shooting. No B. S.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to do it right the first time, every time.
- Our clients have the right to expect us to be on time and professionally prepared for all court appearances, and all meetings.
- Our clients have the right to expect that they will be fully informed at all times.
This is our promise to you. Call today to get us on your side: (717) 657-3900.
DUI
Justin McShane and his entire staff made me feel like they took my case personally and really cared about a suitable outcome of my case. All my calls and questions and emails were answered very quickly. I would highly recommend The McShane Firm for any representation.
C.A.
The best of the best in DUI cases. Worth every penny. 8 years later and I still can’t thank you guys enough.
