In Connecticut, a conviction on a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) (also known as driving while intoxicated, or DWI) carries potentially life-altering consequences. Aside from at least a temporary loss of driving privileges, even a first-time conviction may result in jail time and hefty fines.
The single most important thing you can do is retain the most experienced and knowledgeable DUI attorney you can afford. However, effective attorneys know that clients who assist with their own defense are more likely to get a positive outcome.
Here are some things every DUI defendant should remember to do, even before that first meeting with counsel.
1. Make Notes of Everything
Even if a defendant was not impaired, the memory of details will begin to fade in the weeks or even months it will take for a DUI case to wend its way through the justice system. A defendant should write down anything he or she can remember about the traffic stop and the arrest.
Details can be crucial, so when in doubt of a fact’s significance, make a note of it anyhow. Do not share the list with anyone with anyone but your attorney, however, as this could lead to them being called as witnesses.
Among the more important things to note are:
- The time and place of the stop
- The identities of any passengers
- The reason (the probable cause) the arresting officer gave for the stop – usually a moving violation or the officer’s observation of erratic driving
- Whether a breath test was administered and, if so, what the device looked like
- Statements by the defendant about what he or she had to eat or drink
- What field were sobriety tests (balance on one leg, walk a straight line, etc.) administered?
2. Go Private On Social Media
Social media-savvy prosecutors love to look for evidence on defendants’ social media pages. Even an innocent photo, taken out of context, can become damaging evidence in court. This is especially true if the pictures are from the day or evening of the arrest.
Should it be discovered, deletion of accounts or content may look even worse. To prevent giving the state ammunition, however, defendants should immediately do whatever is necessary to prevent strangers from accessing their social media pages.
3. Identify Witnesses
A defendant should promptly reach out to any friends, colleagues or acquaintances who can testify as to things such as quantity of alcohol consumed and apparent sobriety It is especially helpful for a defendant to identify for his or her attorney anyone who was around him or her during or shortly before or after the DUI stop.
4. Retain Aggressive, Experienced Counsel
We are repeating this one because it is the single most important decision you must make. Ask friends or colleagues for recommendations, and plan to interview at least two or three potential candidates. We have years of experience helping protect the rights of individuals charged with DUI offenses. Call us today.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
