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Steps to Deal with DUI Charges in Rhode Island
By: S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq.
If you have been arrested for a DUI, you probably have a lot of questions and confusion you want to get cleared up. Many defendants make mistakes immediately following their arrest that end up hurting their case later on. Take this advice from a criminal defense attorney, and follow these steps to deal with a DUI charge effectively:
Step One – Prepare Yourself Mentally and Emotionally
Being arrested for a DUI can be a jarring experience. Many people go through an intense period or self-reflection afterward and feel a lot of guilt. Those feelings are normal and even healthy. But you will be more help to your criminal defense attorney if you work through your feelings early and come to terms with your DUI arrest. Focusing on winning your case rather than questioning your life choices will give you the best chance for success in court.
Step Two – Record Your Version of Events
As soon as possible after your arrest, write down everything you can remember about the events before, during, and after your DUI arrest. Even the short passage of time can leave your memory uncertain. And the more detail you can provide about the incident in question, the better chance your criminal defense attorney has of dismantling the evidence and arguments of the prosecution. Write down your recollections sparing no detail. If it is relevant, take pictures too. Every single scrap of information has the potential to be helpful.
Step Three – Hire the Right Criminal Defense Attorney
It is never a smart idea to automatically plead guilty or to represent yourself in court. Your best chance for either avoiding a conviction or minimizing your punishment is to work with a criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience arguing against DUI charges. With the right attorney on your side, you can use the law to your advantage and flex your rights in court.
The sooner you find a criminal defense attorney to start building a case the better off you are likely to be. Contact the best RI DUI lawyers like S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. for a free consultation by calling 401-861-1155.