What Will You Need to Properly Manage a DUI Situation?

akilahr
July 12, 2013

You have been arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and now you are facing your future with uncertainty. The first thing to consider is the fact that you cannot change the past. The arrest has happened and the court date has been set. Now, it’s your turn to take control of the situation and move forward. Here are some insights to help you do just that.

Face The Guilt

It is common to feel guilty and ashamed after being arrested for a DUI. It is hard to look at family members and it is embarrassing to have to admit to your co-workers why you missed a day of work. The truth is, you may even find it hard to look into the mirror. You knew you should not have put yourself into this situation, yet it is a situation that you must handle.

The first thing is to learn to forgive yourself. Not to excuse or forget what you did, but to leave mental space to move on to what needs to be done to make this situation right. There are many personal and legal issues that must be taken care of before you go to court, and it’s best if you’re in a state of mind that will allow you to be very present in this situation.

Hire An Attorney

If you have been arrested for DUI, you will need to hire a DUI defense attorney. Yes, it is possible to go before the court and represent yourself, but wouldn’t you feel better having someone represent you that knew what the court expected? When researching attorneys online, for example, don’t do a general search. Instead, look specifically for an attorney in your city, as the law can vary greatly in different areas. So if you live in Tampa, Florida, then a Tampa DUI lawyer is your best bet.

An experienced DUI defense attorney will be able to evaluate your case and circumstances and present them to the court in a manner that will benefit your case. The attorney will aggressively represent you by using their knowledge of the law and their experience with the judge.

You will want to hire a lawyer that dedicates their practice to representing DUI cases, as they are likely to be more familiar with court procedure and current laws regarding this type of offense. Much like using a specialist for medical conditions, a lawyer that handles mostly DUI defense will have better results than ones who are only generally familiar with this type of case.

Listen To Your Lawyer

When you have a consultation with your lawyer they may request that you do certain things before you go to court. This may include attending online driving school or visiting an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting. Even if you believe that you do not need to participate in any of these activities, your lawyer has the experience, and is likely advising you to gain a favorable outcome for you.

Depending on the state in which you live, a DUI conviction could carry a mandatory jail sentence for a first time conviction. All states have steep fines attached to these convictions. Some states may require community service. Many will have a mandatory license suspension. Following your lawyer’s recommendations prior to your court date may help lessen these penalties if convicted.

You cannot change the past, you can only move forward. If you have been arrested for a DUI, forgive yourself and take control, hire a reputable attorney, follow their lead, and do everything you can to make this your last experience with driving under the influence.

Akilah Richards has worked as a legal assistant in several areas of law. She has seen the tragic results of drunk driving, and shares simple strategies to help people avoid and manage these situations. Katz & Phillips, P.A. assist clients involved in any type of drinking and driving crimes in or near Tampa, Florida, when hiring a Tampa DUI lawyer is a vital step in helping them manage the legal and emotional side effects of such tragedies.

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