Hiring an experienced defense attorney is your best bet for defending your rights after a DUI arrest. However, many suspects are understandably apprehensive about talking with an Indianapolis DUI lawyer. You might be unsure of how best to prepare for your initial meeting or talk with legal counsel.
Rathburn Law Office P.C. fights for the rights of DUI defendants in Indiana. Here, we offer some practical advice on how to get ready to meet with your attorney.
Collect All Relevant Documents
If you haven’t already, it’s time to gather and organize all documents related to your DUI charges. These may include, among others:
- The arrest paperwork the law enforcement officer gave you
- The court summons and other court documents
- Any breathalyzer or blood test results you may have
- Any communications from law enforcement or the district attorney
- Your driver’s license number and insurance information
Make Personal Notes for Your Indianapolis DUI Lawyer
The police and prosecutor have their version of what happened, and you have yours. It’s important that you write down everything you can remember about the events surrounding the DUI. Note every single detail, no matter how minor it may seem. Include the names of any passengers who were with you and other potential witnesses.
Be honest about what happened, including mistakes you might have made. This last point is relevant to the next.
Understand That Your Lawyer Will Protect Your Confidentiality
It’s important to be upfront and honest about your DUI arrest and the events leading up to it. Your lawyer is bound by attorney-client privilege to keep the information you provide confidential.
Even if what you have to say is damaging to your case, tell your lawyer the truth. Lying to your lawyer is a bad idea because it deprives your attorney of the ability to adequately defend you. The prosecution may uncover the truth, but then your lawyer will have to catch up. That’s not a situation you want to be in.
Write Down Questions to Ask Your Attorney
You undoubtedly have questions about the DUI charges, the legal process, and the likely outcome of your case. You probably also want to know about your lawyer’s experience handling DUI cases. Maybe you want to discuss a potential plea bargain and other options. Prepare a list of questions you have about these and other matters.
Write Down Any Relevant Medical Information
There are cases in which medical conditions can affect DUI chemical tests. You may be on medication that gives inaccurate results. If you have an underlying medical situation, talk to your Indianapolis DUI lawyer about it.
Bring records with you, including lists of prescription drugs you take. You should do so even if you don’t think the condition is irrelevant to the DUI.
Be Ready to Discuss Prior Convictions and Offenses
Have you previously been charged or convicted of a DUI? Have you served any time in jail for any crime? Were you given probation, or are you on probation now? What about other traffic offenses, like speeding?
If you can get a copy of your driving and court records, do so and bring them to your attorney. If you are unable to do so, ask your attorney to assist you.
Bring a Notepad to Write Down Answers
You will want to remember the information and advice your lawyer gives you. Take something with you to your meeting to record it. Be sure to keep these answers private. Don’t share them with anyone and don’t discuss the details of your meeting with others. Keep everything about your meeting between you and your lawyer.
Ask About Legal and Court Fees
Lastly, you will want to know about the scope of your lawyer’s representation and the costs. What will your lawyer do for you? What are the lawyer’s fees? What can you expect from your lawyer’s representation? How much are court filing and other costs? Will other expenses potentially arise in the course of your DUI case?
Be clear about all of this with your Indianapolis DUI lawyer.
Rathburn Law Office P.C. is Ready to Help
Taking the above steps is the best way to protect your legal rights after a DUI arrest. If you’re facing DUI charges, contact Rathburn Law Office P.C.. We will fight for the most advantageous outcome to your case. Schedule your initial meeting with us today.
