Being charged with a DUI can be stressful, especially if it’s the first time it’s happened to you.
If you’re pulled over for a DUI in Washington, a million questions will probably run through your mind: how should I handle this situation? What should (or shouldn’t) I say and do? What are my next steps?
We hope you never have to experience this, but if you do, it’s important to know what to do to protect your rights. In this blog, the LaCross & Murphy team leverages its extensive experience and deep understanding of DUI charges and laws in Port Orchard, Washington to discuss steps that can help you know what to do if you’re charged with a DUI.
Keep a Written Record of Detailed Information
Write down everything you can remember about the situation, including when, why, how, and where it happened. You should also include details on who was involved. Jot down even small details that might not seem relevant, since they might become important at some point. Some details you should note include what you said to the officer, what kinds of tests were administered, and what the officer told you about the reason you were stopped.
Some scholars have found that most people forget 50% of new information learned within 24 hours, so being able to write down the details of your experience as quickly as possible after the incident can help you recall exactly what happened. Waiting too long to put pen to paper after being pulled over increases the likelihood of losing sight of important information.
We’ve seen DUI charges begin with law enforcement officials failing to follow procedure, so documenting everything they asked you to do and what kind of test(s) were administered can help your DUI attorney craft a strategic defense.
Switch Social Media Profiles to Private
After being charged with a DUI, information in public posts on your social media profiles can be held against you. Make all of your social media profiles private if you haven’t already. This helps ensure that no public materials on your profile can be brought up in court to hurt your reputation or negatively affect your case.
Look for Witnesses
Having witnesses testify about where you were, how you were acting, and other details from that day can help your case. Ask family members, friends, acquaintances, and anyone else you know who was around that day before, during, or after the event to testify on your behalf.
Hire a DUI Lawyer in Port Orchard, Washington
Don’t try to handle this kind of case on your own. Hire an experienced DUI lawyer in Kitsap County Washington to guide you through the entire process. Having a DUI lawyer with you can help you understand the DUI charging process, the potential DUI consequences, and your rights.
By understanding the ins and outs of local police processes, field sobriety tests, and the processes that crime labs use to test blood, a knowledgeable attorney can poke holes in unscientific or unlawful evidence.
Choosing the right representation is one of the most important factors to consider after being charged with a DUI, and the LaCross & Murphy team has the years of experience needed to be champions for their clients.
DUI Defense Lawyers in Kitsap County, Washington
An experienced DUI defense attorney will keep you updated as your case progresses and is available to help address any concerns you have. They can help ease your mind when you’re feeling stressed about the situation by explaining the proceedings to you and answering any questions you have about your case.
If you’re looking to hire a DUI lawyer in Kitsap County Washington, please contact LaCross & Murphy, PLLC.
