If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in New Jersey, it is important to be very careful about what you do next. At this stage, there are both steps you need to take and mistakes you need to avoid—and if you aren’t careful, you could make your situation much worse than necessary.
So, what do you need to do (and not) do after a DUI arrest? Here are some tips from Morristown DUI lawyer Scott Gorman:
Take Detailed Notes About Your Arrest
When you are facing a DUI charge, it is a good idea to take detailed notes about your arrest. Write down everything you can remember from the point you saw blue lights in your rearview mirror to the moment the officer told you that you were free to leave.
In many cases, defending against a DUI charge will involve raising issues with your traffic stop or arrest. From why the officer said he or she pulled you over to what the officer told you before administering the breathalyzer, there are numerous issues that could give rise to a defense. So, the more details you can record and share with your Morristown DUI lawyer, the better.
Make Sure You Know Your Court Date
Your DUI ticket should list your initial court date. You need to make arrangements to be there on time—ideally with your lawyer—so that you aren’t charged with failure to appear. If you miss your court date, the judge may issue a bench warrant for your arrest, and you could face consequences even if you aren’t guilty of DUI.
Do Not Plead Guilty to DUI
When you go to court, the judge will ask you how you want to plead. Regardless of whether you believe you are guilty or innocent, you should almost always plead “Not guilty” at this stage. If you plead “Not guilty,” the prosecution will need to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and your lawyer will be able to raise all viable defenses on your behalf.
Make Sure You Know What Comes Next
Facing a DUI charge is a process, and after your initial court date, it is important to know what comes next. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will guide you through the process step-by-step.
Discuss Your Defense with a Morristown DUI Lawyer
Due to the risks of facing a DUI charge and the challenges involved with presenting a successful defense, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. To make sure you avoid mistakes and give yourself the best chance of avoiding unnecessary consequences, you should discuss your defense with a Morristown DUI lawyer as soon as possible.
Request a Free and Confidential Consultation with Morristown DUI Lawyer Scott Gorman
If you are facing a DUI charge in New Jersey, we encourage you to contact us promptly to discuss your defense. To request a free and confidential consultation with Morristown DUI lawyer Scott Gorman, call 973-796-3800 or send us a message online now.
Published in Categories: DUI / DWI
