What to do Following a DUI Arrest

It is important to understand what to do after a DUI arrest. James E. Novak in Phoenix, AZ, has many years of experience in handling a wide range of DUI cases and will fight to help you protect your rights. Following the proper steps following a DUI arrest, and doing so as soon as possible is crucial, as it can make a huge difference in your case, and could be the difference between a DUI conviction and a complete dismissal of the charges against you. If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact The Law Office of James Novak today to discuss your case.

1. Contact DUI Lawyer James E. Novak: The first thing you should do following a DUI arrest is to immediately call The Law Office of James E. Novak. He will review your case and discuss your defense options with you. He may request additional details and documentation to assist him in building a strong defense for you. He will work diligently to have your case dismissed or your sentence reduced.
2. Write Down Your Version of the Incident: It is important to write down your version of the incident, in detail. James Novak will rely on the information in your statement and will review it for any indication that your Fourth Amendment rights (or any other rights) were violated. Be sure to include the specific time of day or night that the stop or arrest happened, everything you ate or drank prior, any medication you took that day, what the weather conditions were like at the time of the stop or arrest, and so on.
3. Note All Medications and Physical or Mental Conditions: Any of these could result in your inability to adequately perform and pass a field sobriety test and could result in an officer thinking that you are too impaired to drive. Inner ear infections can commonly cause balance problems, which would make it difficult for you to stand on one foot or walk in a straight line.
4. Bring Documentation of Your DUI: Provide James Novak with any documentation you received during or after your DUI, such as a citation or ticket. It is also important to discuss any documents you provided to the police.
5. Contact Arizona Motor Vehicle Department to Schedule a Hearing: After you surrender your license, you will be given a temporary permit and written notice of the suspension of your license. To request a hearing in regards to your suspension, you must contact the Arizona MVD within 15 days of the receipt of written notice of your suspension.
6. Make Note of Your Court Date, Time, and Location: This information can be found on your citation, however, the date and time can change once you hire a DUI lawyer to represent you. Failure to appear in court can result in the issuance of a warrant for your arrest, so it is imperative that you and/or your lawyer are present on the correct date and at the designated time and location.
7. Schedule a Hearing to Retrieve Your Vehicle from Impound: Your vehicle may be impounded for up to 30 days at your expense, so it is wise to schedule this hearing as soon as possible. This is an informal hearing, typically conducted over the phone, and does not require a lawyer.
8. Photograph Relevant Evidence of Location or Vehicle: You should document any piece of evidence the police may have used as probable cause. Include any objects in your vehicle, any damage to your vehicle or other vehicles, light poles, trees, etc. You should also include anything that might have impaired your ability to drive, such as broken tail lights, or downed tree branches or electrical wires.
9. Resolve Any Other Citations You Received: If you were cited at the stop for improper or a lack of insurance or registration, you should take the necessary steps to rectify the situation as soon as possible. Additionally, any other unpaid fines or tickets should be paid as soon as possible. Neglecting these problems can increase your DUI penalties.

If you have been arrested for a DUI, contact The Law Office of James E. Novak today. It is important to take the proper steps following a DUI arrest, and to do so as soon as possible. James E. Novak can help you through the DUI process and will work hard to have your case dismissed or your sentence reduced.