
5 Things to Do After a DUI Arrest in Raleigh NC
If you or a loved one is going through the ordeal of a DUI Arrest in Raleigh NC, there are a few things you ought to know moving forward.
This process will not be fun and it will be emotionally draining, but it's important to remember that there are people out there who are still on your side. There are people who have made it their life's work to help you.
Most importantly, you must follow these five steps during and after your DUI arrest:
1) Remember Your Rights
Police Officers will try to get as much information from you as possible. That's their job. Your job is to remember that you have the right to remain silent. That part of the Miranda Rights will protect you. Not only is it your right, it's probably the smartest thing that you can do at this juncture.
If you or a loved one is in this situation, remember that just as the officer is doing their job by attempting to extract information, they are also doing their job by informing you of your rights.
Listen to them while they read them. "You have the right to remain silent" goes beyond just being a right - it is an absolute necessity to provide the most desirable outcome in this difficult situation.
2) Find the Right Attorney
As mentioned above, you have rights in this situation. One of these rights you or your loved one must remember is that you have the right to an attorney, always. If you can't afford one, you can ask for a public defender.
During the arrest, you will be searched and your personal items will be taken. Until you've worked with an attorney, do not answer questions about anything found during this process.
Your lawyer will advise you on everything that should and shouldn't be said to law enforcement.
3) Bail for a DUI Arrest in Raleigh NC
This is a difficult and trying situation for anyone to go through, no matter the details of the event. The more time you spend locked up, the more trying the situation will be.
You or your loved one will most likely be taken into custody at the Wake County Jail. As soon as possible, find the help you need to get out. This will most likely be from a Bail Bonds company.
Some are open 24/7, and some provide special offers like 5% down.
Often the Bail Bondsman will be able to provide as much information and comfort as your attorney. This may be your first time dealing with a DUI Arrest in Raleigh NC - but it is far from theirs.
4) Follow Through with the Details
Once you or your loved one is home safe and sound, you'll want to make sure you follow through with everything that comes next.
Consider making a calendar with everything that comes next, like meetings with your lawyer and your upcoming court dates.
Remember, there's no reason why you should know how to handle this situation on your own. Use the resources at your disposal.
5) Get Back to Your Life
No matter the details, an arrest is traumatizing. The very nature of the process makes you feel like a criminal. It will probably feel like your world has been put on pause.
Don't let it. While it's important to keep track of everything that happens next, as mentioned above, try to re-sync yourself with your routine.
Getting back to your life will undoubtedly require help. Accept it from those who offer. You will most definitely have questions. Ask them.
Remember, this too shall pass. Sometimes it just takes a helping hand.