Steps To Assist You After Being Charged With A DUI
Drinking one cocktail that contains alcohol may not necessarily deter you from being able to drive in a safe manner, but if you have found yourself in a predicament that involved being stopped during a routine checkpoint and have been charged with driving under the influence, the prospect of having your drivers license suspended or being responsible for paying a fine can be an alarming and scary prospect. Use the advice below to assist with your legal defense.
Walk A Straight Line And Try To Keep Semblance In Your Life
The most important thing that you can do for yourself is guarantee that you do not get into any more trouble prior to the day that you are scheduled to attend a court hearing. Avoid public venues or attending social gatherings in which alcohol is going to be served and spending time with people who plan on drinking and could potentially cause trouble for you if you choose to ride with them in their vehicles.
Keep semblance in your life during this difficult time. Follow a schedule and work hard at your job or keep busy with household tasks so that you do not dwell upon the charge you were handed and become severely depressed. It is important that you stay focused so that you can get a grip on what has happened and learn from your mistake.
Cooperate With Law Enforcement And Attend Your Court Hearing
It is crucial that you appear in court on the date that is printed on the ticket that an officer gave you. Trying to avoid court or being in denial will only make your situation worse and could cause you to be sentenced to jail or lose your license for an indefinite amount of time.
Dress in formal clothing on the day of your court date and address the judge in a polite manner. If you have chosen to hire a DUI attorney like Angela L Walker PC, prep him or her by providing them with an honest account of what occurred. Your attorney will likely give you a heads up concerning the punishment that you will receive. Your attorney will do their best to represent you favorably so that you are not handed a stiff sentence that will affect your daily routine.
Request A Provisional License Or Payment Plan If Found Guilty
Even if you are found guilty and the judge recommends that your license is suspended for several months, you may still be able to retain some of your driving privileges if you can prove that you have learned your lesson and need to drive to your place of employment each day. A provisional license may be given to you during the suspension of your standard license.
If you are responsible for paying a steep fine and are worried about how you will afford it, ask if a payment plan can be arranged so that you can make small, affordable payments until your fine is paid in full.