What To Do After a DUI Arrest in Arizona

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a significant contributing factor to the number of car crashes in the state of Arizona. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, 4,923 alcohol-related collisions took place in 2016.

There are certain things a person can expect after a DUI arrest. You have a right to stay silent and not answer any questions, but you do need to provide your name, driver’s license, and registration. Once you make bail, there are specific actions to take to increase your chances of getting through this time all right.

Take steps to get your license back

When you get arrested for DUI, you have to begin taking action to protect your driver’s license. You should contact the DMV as soon as possible to request a hearing to protect your driving privileges. If you fail to request that hearing, you can expect the police to take your license away when they first arrest you. You may receive a temporary license for a few days, but to get your regular license back, you will need to place an appeal with the DMV. You may need to go through a treatment program, but make sure you learn how long the state will suspend your license and if there is anything you can do to get it back more quickly.

Write down everything you can about the night in question

When you go to an attorney to fight your case, you will need to provide all pertinent information about the night. This includes how much you actually had to drink, how the officer who arrested you behaved, and whether the officer read you your Miranda rights. Even if something does not seem that significant, it may still be helpful to write down.

Get in touch with an experienced attorney

For something as crucial as a DUI case, you need more than just a public defender. You want a lawyer who has a great track record of helping people get out of DUIs or at least getting lighter sentences. You may not go to jail, especially if it is your first offense, but you may still need to contend with fines and other punishments.