10 Things to Do After You Are Arrested for Drunk Driving in Shelby Township.

You’ve just been released from the Macomb County Jail after spending a sleepless night on a cold concrete floor.  What should you do now? Here is a list of 10 things to do after you are arrested:

1. Gather Your Paperwork. You will receive lots of paperwork when you are released from jail. Find a folder and keep all of these documents together. They are important and often contain deadlines that must be met to protect your rights.

2. Call the Court. A few days after you are released, you should look at the paperwork you received and call the district court listed on the ticket (if you received one). Make sure the court has your correct address. Also, ask the court clerk for the name of the prosecuting attorney and the case number. Be sure to find out if there are any court dates scheduled as well.

3. Stop Drinking/ Using Illicit Drugs. Many Judges will give you bond conditions at your first court date. Generally, you will be given the condition of no drug or alcohol use. Additionally, you may be required to randomly take drug tests to prove you are not using drugs. Some substances can take 30 days or more to get out of your system. It is better to start off with a clean system then have to explain to a Judge how long it will take you to test clean.

4. Find an AA group to attend or enroll in Substance Abuse Counseling. You may not think that you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, but most Judges look favorably on people who take the initiative to get some help before they are ordered to do so.

5. Start Saving Money. If you are convicted of drunk driving, the court will assess fines and court costs. You will also have to pay for probation appointments, drug / alcohol testing, and counseling amongst other things. The amounts will vary greatly from court to court but the court rules state that all fines and costs are due on the date of your sentencing. Additionally, the Michigan Secretary of State will assess Driver Responsibility Fees for drunk driving convictions.

6. Get a Job/ Start Looking for a Job. Judges place a great deal of weight on what a person is doing with their time. If you are currently unemployed, start looking for a job and keep track of applications and resumes that you submit. You may need to show the court that you are, in fact, making a diligent effort to find employment.

7. Tell No One. Do not discuss your case with anyone. Do not talk to the police, friends, co-workers, or family members. You should only discuss your case with a competent criminal defense attorney.

8. Make a mental note of anyone who was with you. Make sure you have updated phone numbers/ addresses if you need to call them as a witness in your case.

9. Collateral Consequences. There are many other consequences of a drunk driving conviction besides the criminal aspect. Find out if a conviction will affect your employment or education. If you are not a United States citizen, a conviction could have serious immigration consequences. A conviction could also impact divorce or custody proceedings.

10. Hire a Lawyer. Drunk Driving is a serious offense with very serious potential consequences. You want a lawyer who is knowledgeable, experienced, and diligent. Contact Lashier Law, PLLC at 586.872.8979 or visit lasheirlawfirm.com for more information.

The above statements are for informational purposes only and are not to be construed as legal advice nor does this constitute the formation of an attorney/ client relationship. shelbytownshiplawyer.com