What to Do If You’re Arrested for a DUI

An OWI or a DUI arrest can be stressful and scary. One minute, you were behind the wheel of your vehicle, and all of a sudden you found yourself in a situation you didn’t anticipate or understand. However, you need to keep in mind that a DUI or an OWI arrest is not the same as being convicted of those charges. If you have been in this situation, staying calm and knowing your rights are key.

If you are convicted of OWI or DUI in Iowa or Nebraska, there can be serious legal consequences. Peters Law Firm works with clients in Southwest Iowa and Eastern Nebraska who are facing OWI and DUI charges.

Stay Calm and Cooperate During the Arrest

Whatever the circumstances of your arrest, you need to remain calm. If you fight back physically or even argue, you could face additional charges. You may feel that you are being treated unfairly or that you should not be arrested. This is not the time to address that.

You must cooperate with any lawful instructions that law enforcement gives you. However, keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you’re required to provide any unnecessary information. In fact, this is also a good reason to avoid arguing. When you argue, you may end up providing additional incriminating information. Cooperating with law enforcement keeps your case straightforward and means that your defense can focus solely on the DUI or OWI.

Be Careful About What You Say

You need to show your license, registration, and proof of insurance. However, you’re not required to provide any details about your activities or consumption. In fact, you should avoid giving additional information before you’ve spoken to an attorney.

Sometimes, law enforcement may speak to you in a friendly, casual manner. You should always remain respectful, but make sure that you don’t drop your guard and share information unintentionally. Your right to remain silent is a cornerstone of our legal system, and it won’t hurt your case if you stick to that.

Understand the Charges Against You

OWI stands for operating while intoxicated. DUI stands for driving under the influence. Which terminology is used varies based among jurisdictions. OWI is more common in Iowa, and Nebraska tends to use DUI.

While DUI and OWI offenses are essentially the same thing, it’s important that you have an attorney explain the specific charge against you. A lawyer can also explain what the consequences might be and what your options are. These vary based on where the arrest happened and other details of your situation. Attorneys at Peters Law Firm are experienced in dealing with OWI and DUI charges in Iowa and Nebraska.

Keep Track of Important Documents and Deadlines

An OWI or DUI arrest usually comes with a lot of paperwork as well. It’s important that you keep all the documents related to your case and that you read them carefully. In particular, pay attention to instructions and note important dates. These documents may deal with a number of different issues, including the charge against you, the effect on your driving privileges, when and where your court appearances are, and other related matters.

Write Down What You Remember

As soon as possible after the arrest, you should write down everything that you remember about the incident. Include where it happened, what interactions with officers were like, whether there was any testing, and any other details. There may be things that you think are unimportant but that an attorney would recognize as significant. Therefore, you should include as much as you can since this may all help your attorney better understand the situation and your case.

Avoid Discussing Your Case Publicly

It can be tempting to vent about your arrest, but you need to avoid doing this, particularly on social media. Keep any conversation about the situation to a minimum unless you are speaking to your attorney. Widely discussing the case can create additional complications for you.

Speak With a DUI or an OWI Attorney

An attorney can review the specifics of the incident and explain what comes next. At Peters Law Firm, we’ll take a look at the traffic stop, the arrest, any testing, and the charges. We’ll help you understand both the charges and consequences that you’re facing following a DUI or an OWI charge. We’ll also talk to you about your options.

What Happens After a DUI Arrest?

There is no single set of procedures that you can count on after a DUI or an OWI arrest because every case is different. Based on the circumstances of your arrest and charges, there may be court appearances, hearings, or a trial. There might also be negotiations as well as administrative issues regarding your driver’s license.

Take the Next Steps After a DUI Arrest

The consequences for a DUI or an OWI arrest can be serious. However, you still have legal rights and options. It’s critical that you do your part as well. This includes avoiding talking about your case publicly, staying organized, and paying attention to deadlines.

At Peters Law Firm, we have a long history of representing people in Council Bluffs, Southwest Iowa, and Eastern Nebraska with their legal issues, including DUI and OWI. Contact Peters Law Firm today to discuss criminal defense representation.