If you have never been arrested for DUI before, you may feel stunned, shocked, and unsure of what to do next. Although there is no specific process you should follow, there are steps you can take to help yourself feel more prepared before, during, and after your court date.
- Make Your Court Date
Any DWI & DUI lawyer Cape May County NJ will tell you that the most important thing to do after a DUI arrest is to make sure you go to your court date. You will receive notice summoning you to court shortly after your arrest. Put the time and date of your court appearance on your calendar and make arrangements for missing work or other appointments.
- Find Transportation
As you wait to go to court following a DUI arrest, you probably will not have your driver’s license to use as you normally would. You may be eligible for a hardship license to get to work or school, but if not, you will have to ask someone to help you get around or look into public transportation options.
- Look into SR-22 Insurance
Even if you have a suspended driver’s license, look into SR-22 auto insurance. A good place to start is by contacting your insurance company and asking them what you can expect. With SR-22 insurance, your premiums may be much higher and stay higher for a while.
- Prepare for Court
How you prepare for court depends on how you intend to plead. For example, if you plan on pleading guilty to the DUI charge, you should simply look your best and have any paperwork you need with you on the day of your court appearance. But if you plan to plead not guilty, a lot more prep work will be involved. If this is your plan, make sure you record your recollection of what happened during the arrest and gather all necessary evidence to support your claim.
