I just got arrested for a DUI, now what?
Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming. Your mind might immediately rush to questions or conclusions about facing jail time, losing your driver’s license, having an ignition interlock on your car, losing your job, and other legal and personal consequences. It is important to stay in the moment though, and do not let your mind spiral. Here at the Virginia Justice Group, we focus a great deal of our practice on DUI cases in greater Northern Virginia. In this article, we are going to outline some steps for you to follow if you find yourself charged with a DUI.
-
It wouldn’t be a lawyer’s blog post without an immediate recommendation to hire a lawyer. That being said, hiring a lawyer early on in the process is an incredibly important step. Don’t just hire any lawyer. Hire a DUI lawyer who spends a great deal of his or her time focusing on DUI cases in your jurisdiction/county. At the Virginia Justice Group, we emphasize our DUI practice by attending advanced DUI-related legal seminars to ensure that we are on the cutting edge of DUI defense. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to defend your rights, work towards the best possible outcome, and restore your peace.
-
It is important to understand your constitutional rights, such as the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel. Avoid discussing the case with anyone except your lawyer - this includes law enforcement officers. Speak with your attorney in private, so that you can be completely honest about the facts of your case. Click here to call CJ and discuss the facts of your case completely confidentially.
-
Much of this is going to be done by your lawyer through a process called discovery. However, if you have any evidence relevant to your case, such as your own in-car dash camera, a recording of your interaction with the law enforcement officers, photographs of the scene, or eyewitnesses, provide all of these to your lawyer as early as possible in the process so that your lawyer can use these items to craft your defense.
-
This should go without saying, but make sure to attend any and all scheduled court hearings unless your lawyer specifically tells you otherwise. Missing court dates can result in additional consequences including the revoking of bond and even prosecution for contempt of court for failure to appear. When you work with the Virginia Justice Group, we will discuss each appearance with you so you know what to expect and how to prepare.
-
This should be done alongside your lawyer. After reviewing the evidence in the case, you and your lawyer should be able to discuss what defense strategies and options are available to you based on your unique set of facts and circumstances. Here at the Virginia Justice Group, Attorney C.J. Nucciarone ensures that each of his clients gets a one-on-one session with him after the evidence has been received from the prosecutor, so that he can discuss the evidence and the various defense strategies with each and every client. Click here to schedule time with him to review your case.
-
Your lawyer may have some recommendations for you to help set up an effective plea bargain. A successful plea bargain may include the amendment or reduction or charges, a less severe sentence, or even dismissal of some charges. Plea bargains are often part of a successful defense strategy and you should follow your lawyer’s directions to make sure you are well-positioned heading into a possible plea bargain.
-
Depending on your specific set of facts and circumstances, your lawyer might recommend going to trial. Prior to trial, you should discuss what to expect with your attorney, including some key strategy points like whether you should testify, whether you should retain an expert witness, or what specific legal and factual arguments you are going to be relying on for your defense. Click here to call C.J. to discuss your case and your defense.
Navigating a DUI case can be daunting. However, it is important to keep a clear mind and follow the steps laid out in this guide. It all starts with seeking the right representation. Find a lawyer who cares about DUI’s and devotes a great deal of time and effort to learning the in’s and out’s of DUI defense. With the right representation and preparation, you will give yourself the best chance at a successful resolution of your case.
Remember, every DUI is different and requires the guidance of a skilled, experienced DUI lawyer. Here at the Virginia Justice Group, our attorneys have spent nearly a decade defending DUI’s all over greater Northern Virginia, including Prince William County, Fauquier County, Stafford County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Culpeper County. If you find yourself charged with a DUI in any one of these jurisdictions, call the Virginia Justice Group today and speak with one of our attorneys yourself. We will show you how we can Defend Your Rights and Restore Your Peace.
