Steps to Take When You're Accused of DUI

Being accused of committing a crime is a stressful time in anyone's life, but given the long-lasting public crusades in opposition to driving under the influence, those accusations can represent a particularly sensitive challenge. Mistakes happen from both a decision-making standpoint as well as an investigatory standpoint, and it's important that you don't allow yourself to be overwhelmed by the process.
Protecting your own interests is a vital part of recovering from being charged with DUI. Unfortunately, many people may not even know where to begin to get their bearings and defend themselves, and as a result, you may miss an opportunity to take important steps for your own protection.
Below, you'll find a guide to some things you should be sure to do in the aftermath of a DUI charge. Keeping these suggestions in mind can help you to maintain your current standard of living while you're going through the process and can allow you to find the best possible outcome from a difficult legal situation.
Maximize Documentation
When you're accused of a crime, your words and actions will immediately fall under intense scrutiny. If everything you say and do is at risk of being challenged, it's vital that you gather as much indisputable evidence as possible in your favor. Rather than counting on other people to perform vital investigatory tasks, taking control of them yourself can offer you substantial protection.
You should start by writing down the series of events which preceded the arrest and everything you remember through the length of your police contact. This might also include gathering receipts from businesses you patronized or reaching out for eyewitness accounts which may work in your favor. Collecting this information as close to the time the arrest occurred is incredibly important, as it can help guarantee that recollections are as fresh and accurate as possible.
Seek Insurance Protections
One of the worst things you can do in the aftermath of a DUI is to compound the problem by committing additional violations related to the first accusation. While further driving incidents are obviously a major concern, it's also important to remember that a DUI will likely leave you with additional insurance obligations. Most insurance companies will require an extra level of coverage after you've been accused of a DUI, and your coverage may not be valid without those protections.
SR-22 policies are common tools used by insurance companies to help them secure your driving rights after a serious incident such as a DUI. Though the policies may be costly, they're an investment worth making since the alternative option is likely continuance of a crime. Be up front and honest with your insurance company about the situation you're in, and make sure that you take the appropriate actions to keep yourself protected.
Consider Treatment
Honestly assessing your issues can be a difficult chore for anyone, but after a life-altering event such as a DUI, it's important to truly evaluate your decisions. If you're at a point in your life where substance consumption is interfering with your decision making, it may be time to reach out for help.
Seeking assistance might also be useful in terms of your legal battle. If the court sees that you're taking the situation seriously and you're prepared to take tangible steps to better your life, you may be in a position to receive a more favorable disposition of your case.
Daryl J. Walker has the skills and experience necessary to help you navigate the difficult waters that come in the aftermath of a DUI arrest. Turning to the help of a devoted lawyer can help you reestablish your life and can help guarantee that a momentary lapse in judgment doesn't become a long-term problem.






