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Being arrested for a first-time DWI can be an overwhelming and sometimes frightening experience. Your future and your freedom could be in jeopardy, and you may be confused about what to do next. Fortunately, you do not have to go through this process alone.
Were you arrested for driving while impaired in Carteret County, NC? You have a trusted legal ally in Hancock Law Firm, PLLC. Learn more about what to do after a DWI arrest and how our experienced criminal defense attorney can help you.
Step 1: Prepare for Your License to Be Suspended
Your driver’s license will be automatically suspended for 30 days simply by being arrested. There is no appeal or way out of this, even if you are innocent of the DWI charges and ultimately prevail in court. Therefore, you need to prepare for not being able to legally drive.
It’s important to arrange alternative means of getting to work, school, and elsewhere. The time is now to figure out a public transportation schedule or arrange for someone to drive you to and from wherever you need to go.
Step 2: Know Your DWI Details
Familiarize yourself with the basic details of your charges. They include:
- What exactly you are charged with
- Which statute you’re accused of violating
- Your court date and time
- Your court location
- The identity of the law enforcement agency and officer who arrested you
You should be able to obtain this information right away from the officer or law enforcement agency. Make sure you know the court date, time, and location in particular. Missing your court appearance is a serious matter that could result in more severe penalties.
Step 3: Contact a Carteret County Attorney Immediately
The sooner you take this step, the easier it will be to gather the relevant evidence and begin putting together an effective defense. Talk to an experienced DWI attorney who understands the relevant laws and North Carolina criminal procedure.
Step 4: Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
Don’t speak to police or investigators, especially once you are arrested. The only purpose in their questions is to obtain evidence to use against you. You have the right to remain silent and need to exercise that right.
Refer all questions and further communications to your attorney. Also, stay off social media and don’t discuss your arrest or charges with anyone. The less you say during this time, the better.
Step 5: Ask Your Attorney to Help With Driving Privileges
You may be able to get limited driving privileges, sometimes referred to as a work license, which as the name indicates will let you drive solely for the purposes of work. This is not guaranteed, however, and you need a Carteret County defense attorney to assist with this step.
The earlier you do this, the less of an interruption to your work life the license suspension will be. But you need to still arrange transportation in case of delays or in case your request is denied.
Step 6: Stay Out of Trouble
If you are allowed to go free after your arrest (pending your court date), it is vital that you remain out of trouble. If your license is suspended, don’t drive and stay away from alcohol. It’s also recommended that you don’t frequent bars or other establishments where alcohol is served.
Remember, the court will expect you to obey the law and follow any conditions of release. If you get in trouble again, you could get sent back to jail and see your bail increased. On the other hand, obeying the law and staying out of trouble will help you down the road.
Step 7: Get Ready for Court
You could have multiple court dates ahead of you, so prepare for them by working with your Carteret County DWI attorney. These events may include:
- Your initial appearance for entering a plea
- Pretrial motions, often concerned with evidentiary or constitutional issues
- Trial or a guilty plea, plus a sentencing hearing
During this time your attorney will begin negotiating with prosecutors for a plea deal. Your lawyer will explain how these negotiations work and the potential consequences of a plea deal for you. It’s important that you ask questions and understand the substance of these negotiations.
It’s possible for prosecutors to drop or agree to reduce charges in your case, depending on the strength of the evidence, your criminal record, and other considerations.
Step 8: Be Honest With Your Attorney
The only way your attorney can effectively advocate for you is for you to be honest. Answer questions truthfully and share all relevant facts and evidence in your possession with your lawyer. This will allow your lawyer to better protect your rights and interests.
Your communications with your attorney are privileged and protected. So be transparent with your lawyer and let them figure out the best way to deal with the facts. Hiding information or being dishonest with your attorney will only make it harder to defend you.
Connect Today With Our Carteret County DWI Lawyer
Arrested for a DWI offense? The consequences can be serious, even for a first-time charge, so it’s time to get serious about your legal rights. Get in touch with Hancock Law Firm, PLLC to begin working on your case today.