Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and controlled substances - DUI

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4^th of July is one of the most anticipated holidays of the summer and year. The 4^th of July is a time for summer celebrations with friends and family. However, the 4^th of July is also associated with an increase in DUI arrests. If you are arrested for driving under the influence while celebrating the 4^th of July in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, it is natural to have countless thoughts and feelings racing through your head. A DUI conviction in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania can have consequences ranging from a three hundred ($300.00) dollar fine to five (5) years in prison. While this understandably can feel stressful, daunting, and scary, there are a few key steps to follow after you have been accused of a DUI in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to help begin building your case and defense. The steps are:

1.     Write Down Everything As Soon As Possible

As soon as you have the opportunity, sit down and write down everything that took place surrounding your DUI arrest. This includes the events leading up to the DUI arrest (e.g., what took place on the 4^th of July? Where did you go on the 4^th of July? What did you consume?), what took place during the DUI arrest, and anything relevant that happened after.

It is crucial that you write down everything that happened surrounding your 4^th of July DUI arrest as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the less accurate your memory and account becomes. If you had been driving under the influence, your memory is already compromised, making it all the more necessary that you write down everything as soon as possible. Do not share with anyone.

Some helpful tips when writing about the events surrounding your DUI arrest:

·        Type or handwrite clearly. While a typed version is preferable, if you opt to handwrite your account, write clearly and legibly, so that your future Montgomery County, Pennsylvania DUI Attorney is able to read. Additionally, the handwritten account may later be used as evidence, so it is all the more vital to handwrite neatly. TIP: handwrite every other line.

·        Where should I begin the timeline? If you are not sure which events are relevant or irrelevant, start by setting the scene approximately twenty-four (24) hours before the 4^th of July arrest.

·        What should my account include? The account should details like where you were in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania; what you were doing on the 4^th of July; who were you celebrating the 4^th of July with; was anyone with you in the vehicle, and, if so, who; what you drank; how much you drank; when you drank; time of day or night; level of traffic; the weather conditions; the road conditions; and any conversations had between you and any officer(s).

2.     Private Social Media Settings

As you may have heard your whole life, under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, you have a right to remain silent. As you may have also heard often on television or in movies, “Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”

“Anything you say” also includes the things you say, comments you make, and pictures and videos that you post on social media. Social media can provide the prosecutors in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania with your personal 4^th of July posts, pictures, tweets, videos, etc., which they may utilize against you in your Pennsylvania DUI. Anything you post online “can and will be used against you” in the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania court of law.

Make sure your social media platforms are set to private.

3.     Gather Any Relevant Evidence

Gathering relevant information and evidence can help greatly in your DUI case. Important evidence to gather includes photographs, videos, and witnesses and their contact information. Photographs and videos leading up to, during, and after the arrest may offer valuable information and context that can help bolster defense. Witnesses can also be crucial in helping to build a stronger defense for your Montgomery County, Pennsylvania DUI case.

4.     Hire a Qualified and Experienced Montgomery County, Pennsylvania DUI Attorney

While you have the right to represent yourself and some may believe that an attorney is not necessary for a crime like a DUI, a DUI can be a severe crime and you may be at a disadvantage without representation from qualified DUI lawyer. Hiring an experienced local DUI attorney means you will have someone who knows and will help steer you through the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania criminal court system and laws. This ensures that you have someone knowledgeable who is advocating and fighting for your best interest.

5.     Relax and Stay Calm

Your DUI case might be one of the most stressful events that has ever happened in your life. Although it may understandably be difficult, you need to try your best to relax and stay calm. An experienced and well-versed Pennsylvania DUI attorney can help you navigate the Montgomery County, Pennsylvania criminal court system, explain to you your options, and alleviate your stress.

If you are facing a DUI in Pennsylvania, please contact CDM Law, LLC at (610) 994-0281. CDM Law, LLC is dedicated to elevating expectations and delivering results. We are here to help you throughout the process of your DUI case and criminal charges.

Disclaimer:  This is not legal advice, you should consult with an attorney prior to making any legal decision. This content does not create an Attorney-Client relationship. Call CDM LAW or visit our website to contact us.