If you got a DUI arrest, you are not alone. The number of DUI charges around this holiday is higher than during a normal week. This is because, as I’ve mentioned in the past, police officers are out in full force near the holidays to make sure that everyone is getting home safely. If you were stopped by the police and charged with a DUI, there are steps that you can take to prepare for what is next. Consider these tips to make sure you are taking the right steps to protect yourself during this time.

Write Down What Happened

As soon as you can, you should write down what happened at the time of your arrest. These details could mean the difference between winning and losing your DUI case. Consider when and where you were pulled over, what the police officer said to you, your answers to the officer’s questions, and what tests you took. Did you take or refuse the breath test? Or, did you perform the standardized field sobriety tests? Did the police officer properly explain and demonstrate these tests to you? Was proper procedure followed to protect your safety while you performed these tests?

These are all valid questions that you should think about. Writing down the details while they are fresh in your mind can help you defend yourself. Also, if the police officer did not follow the proper procedure, certain test results or pieces of evidence used against you might be inadmissible in court.

Don’t Panic

While your natural reaction at this time might be to freak out, this reaction will not help you at this time. It is important to remain calm and focus on the positives and the next steps that you need to take. Wallowing in self-pity will not help you build your defense. You need to stay strong at this time and take the steps necessary to protect yourself.

Get Your Questions Answered

You will probably have a significant number of questions about the DUI process in Connecticut. Luckily, there are many resources available to you to help you get these questions answered. For example, viewing the DUI section of our website should answer most of the basic questions that you have at this time. Contacting a lawyer can also put your mind at ease by giving you the information that you need.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

Even if you do a lot of research on Connecticut DUI and DUI defense, you will not have the experience of a DUI lawyer. A DUI lawyer can come up with creative defenses for you and use the law to your advantage. Hiring a DUI lawyer at this time is one of the best ways to defend yourself against a DUI.

After an Arrest

Understand the DUI process more by contacting our office. We can walk you through each individual step in more detail.

As you can see, after your initial arrest for DUI, you will go to the police station with a police officer. Here, you will face the booking process, where the police will get all of your personal information and see if you have any prior arrests.

At that point, several factors will go into deciding if you can be released on your own personal recognizance, or if you need to pay a bail bond. This might get sorted out during an arraignment.