How to Help Your Case if You Have Been Arrested for Phoenix DUI
Were you arrested for DUI in Phoenix? If so, then it is important that you know what you can do prior to appearing in court to help your case. Just going along with what the officer and the judge tells you is likely to leave you with hefty consequences. However, if you go to court prepared, you can often knock of much, if not all of your jail time, and sometimes even reduce your fines. There are specific steps to take that can help your case after a Phoenix DUI arrest.
Here are some of the most important things to do to get the judge to look more favorably at you.
A DUI Screening Should Come Immediately After Being Arrested for DUI
As soon as possible after getting arrested for DUI in Phoenix, you should seek out a specialized rehab facility that provides DUI and alcohol screenings. You want one that works directly with the Arizona MVD and can submit all of your paperwork to them directly.
During an alcohol screening or DUI screening, your habits will be evaluated. They will want to know what you did in terms of past alcohol and drug use. You need to answer questions very specifically.
Did you use drugs? If so, how much, how often, and what kinds? Have you ever drunk alcohol? How much, how often, and when was the last time you drank? They will look at your current habits and see if you show signs of a problem. If they believe you show signs of a drug or alcohol addiction, then they will recommend that you go through specific alcohol classes, rehab, or similar programs. Once you have this DUI screening completed, it should get sent along to the MVD, no matter what their findings are.
Having this done prior to a court appearance shows the court that you do not want to repeat your mistake and that you take any charges you face now serious enough to get help. If you still wind up convicted when all is said and done, then you will have to follow through with whatever your interviewer recommended for you.
Never Go to Court Alone
While it is legal for you to represent yourself in a court of law, it is highly frowned upon, especially following a Phoenix DUI arrest. You should always make sure to go to court with an experienced and effective DUI attorney by your side. They may be able to help plead down your case if you follow the right steps, and it shows the judge that you want to prove that you did not intend to make the mistake you did.
DUI attorneys in Phoenix also know most of the prosecutors and can often give you ideas on ways of swaying their charges. If you follow specific steps, some prosecutors will offer pleas, so they can lighten up their workload. However, you have to make sure that you do those steps in the right order, and all before your court date whenever possible.
Attorneys work together whenever they can, but they will not often work with someone they do not know or currently trust. They know nothing about you other than you are trying to represent yourself following an arrest for DUI in Phoenix, AZ. This tells them not to trust what you have to say out of pure instinct. You may be the nicest person in the world, but they still will not give you the same opportunity as a fellow lawyer in the vast majority of cases.
Go Through DUI Classes Prior to Court
After your DUI screening, you should also look into what types of DUI classes are available for you to take in Phoenix. The more thoroughly you can prove to the court that you want to avoid reoffending, the better this looks in the eyes of the judge. Plus, if you go through a DUI screening and then the subsequent DUI classes, some prosecutors are willing to negotiate on your charges. This could allow your charges to be reduced, meaning fewer consequences for you in the end.
These classes typically only last a few hours, but they can seriously help your case in court. Plus, if you do get convicted of your Phoenix DUI charges, you will need to complete them anyway. This just puts you ahead of the game, with a few potential benefits, if you do them right after being arrested for Phoenix DUI.
Keep Your Availability Open
After you have been arrested for DUI, you will have to spend some time in court. Granted, if you hire a Phoenix DUI attorney to represent you, there will be times they can be there on your behalf. However, most of the time, you will need to show up and prove that you take your charges seriously.
To do this, you need to keep as much of your time open as possible. Save any vacation or sick days that you have for this purpose.
You do not want to take the chance of not showing up in court for an important day. Likewise, you do not want to risk your job so soon after your DUI arrest. This would not be good in either case. Do what you can to make sure you are there, earlier than you should be, each time your DUI attorney tells you to be. Showing up late for your court appointments should never be an option. This will show the judge irresponsibility and could affect the outcome of your case.
If You Need More Help After Being Arrested for DUI, Call Alcohol Screening Phoenix for Help
Here at Alcohol Screening Phoenix, we understand what being arrested for DUI is like. We know that it can alter the course of your life. Luckily, we also have the tools and options to help you when your day in court arrives. We offer services like DUI screenings, DUI classes, and even rehab services for those who need them. For any additional information, please reach out to us here at Alcohol Screening Phoenix. We’re here to help you prepare for your day in court the best way possible.
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