One mistake can affect your future, especially when the result is something as serious as a DUI charge. Once you’ve been arrested, the outcome of your case will depend on the next actions you take. This guide outlines the most important ways to help your situation.

4 Things to Do After Being Charged With a DUI

1. Take the Test

While you do have the personal right to refuse to take a chemical test, that doesn’t mean your refusal comes without consequences. If you do refuse, you’ll likely be facing more charges in addition to the original DUI. For this reason, you’ll simplify your situation by complying with the request to take a breathalyzer or an alternative chemical test.

2. Hire a Bail Bondsman

Depending on the situation, you’ll probably be arrested and held in a city or county jail. It will be difficult to mount a defense from your jail cell, but bail amounts can be extremely high. This is where the help of a bail bondsman is valuable.

For a fee equivalent to a small percentage of the bail amount, they will post your bail to ensure your release. This gives you the freedom to consult a lawyer to help with your defense.

3. Consult a Lawyer 

Aside from being able to return to work and your family, being released from jail allows you to find an experienced DUI attorney who will fight for you. These types of cases involve specific factors, such as the reliability of breathalyzers, that can affect the outcome of your case. Ideally, you should hire an attorney with a proven track record for handling these specific types of cases. 

4. Request a DMV Hearing

A charge of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license. However, most people don’t realize they have the right to a hearing before this determination is made.

You and your lawyer can present your side of the story during this hearing, and that may be enough to let you keep your driver’s license, depending on the facts you present. At the very least, you may obtain a shorter suspension period or be granted a restricted license.

People facing DUI charges must rely on the skills and knowledge of an experienced attorney. Located in Robertsdale, AL, J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, Attorneys at Law has a long history of providing the legal services that can make a difference in the outcome of your case. From their attorneys to their support staff, everyone involved in the handling of your case has the expertise to provide the best possible representation. Learn more about their practice areas online or schedule a consultation by calling (251) 947-6247.