There are several important things to know about the DUI court process. If you would like to learn more, you should check out this guide. If you get caught drinking and driving, you will have a huge uphill battle of obstacles to deal with.

However, it’s crucially important that you address these issues head-on, for the sake of your legal rights and your life as a whole. There are lots of lawyers that can assist you in fighting the charges, and you will need to assess how you want to move forward from a personal and professional point of view.

The first step is to learn exactly what you are up against and what you can do about it. Read on to learn more about the DUI court process and what it entails.

Protect Your Rights and Get an Understanding of What You’re up Against.
If you know what the law says about DUI cases, you are better able to protect your rights. Here’s what you need to do immediately after getting arrested:

1. Remain Silent During the Arrest.
You are innocent until proven guilty in a DUI case, so never stay anything that admits guilt or otherwise puts you in a less than desirable position. Whether you got pulled over at a DUI checkpoint or the officer said you were swerving or exhibiting other signs of intoxication, don’t say anything that can incriminate you. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have an attorney present.

An officer may even try to bait you into a confession, which can put your legal rights in jeopardy.

Just as importantly, make sure that you remain as respectful and positive as possible. By being rude to the officer or non-cooperative, you are immediately putting yourself beyond the 8-ball in your case.

2. Make Yourself Aware of the Charges.
Carefully read all the paperwork you get from the arresting officer and at the jail. You will receive a notice of suspension – https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/driving-under-the-influence-ffdl-36/ – of your license at the time of your arrest. You only have 10 days to request a DMV hearing on you license, so the sooner you contact an attorney the better. Also vitally important, you will have to sign a “promise to appear” in court before released from jail; this piece of paper tells you your next court date.

Get the Legal Help That You Need.
Be sure that you get the legal reinforcements that you need to handle your case as well. Here’s how to make this a reality:

1. Search for Some Great DUI Lawyers.
Hiring a good DUI lawyer will give you the protection that you need when you are up against charges. When you’re looking for legal professionals in your area, browsing testimonials, researching them in the State Bar of California, scheduling consultations, and asking about their specialties will be the most helpful to you. Pull your top three attorneys and let them know the nuts and bolts of your case so that you can find out how they will serve you. It’s also important that you ask them about their legal fees to see if it’s in a range that you can afford.

2. Prepare for Your Court Date.
After your DUI arrest, you’ll be given a court date that you have to show up for. Make are you are in close contact with your attorney. Beware of attorneys who don’t have time for you or won’t answer your questions.

Move Forward From the DUI.
After you and your lawyer have put together a gameplan for fighting the DUI case, you’ll need to figure out the best way to move forward with your life.

First and foremost, get drinking issues under control if there are any. If you need alcohol detox and recovery, https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/alcohol-detox-programs – don’t wait around to get the help that you need.

You should also make things right in your professional life and notify your employer about the situation and how you are handling it. The last thing you want to do is run the risk of them finding out and firing you because you didn’t tell them.

Get out in front of the issue and make sure that you are moving forward in a positive manner.

Get Help With the DUI Court Process.
By getting and attorney and understanding the DUI court process, you can protect your rights and keep your life intact. We are your source for the information you need in your DUI case. This way, you can avoid serious trouble and keep your life in order.  Reach out today to learn more about Prentiss Law and how we can represent you.