Steps to Take After Your Arrest for DWI

The state of Texas considers driving while intoxicated a grave offense. If you are charged with suspicion of DWI, the steps you take following your arrest are highly critical to building a winning defense against conviction. Immediately after your arrest for DWI, you should do the following things to minimize any consequences.

Be Cooperative but Silent

Whatever you say after your arrest for DWI is on record. It is best to stay compliant and cooperative, and not be argumentative. However, if you are uncomfortable answering a question, you can always remain silent until you have representation.

Request Counsel After Your Arrest for DWI

You are not legally allowed to be questioned until you are read your rights. Among those rights is the right to counsel. If you request to have counsel, law enforcement has to wait for your lawyer. It is imperative that you not say anything when questioned, without first checking to make sure that it isn’t incriminating.

Secure Your Release From Jail and Get Your Car

Get your car out of the towing facility as soon as possible. While there, you will want to get the name of the tow truck driver in case you need him to testify for you in court. There is a reasonable likelihood that the tow truck driver might be able to help your case when it goes before a judge.

Make Sure That You Know What to Do

In the state of Texas, you only have 15 days post-arrest to appeal having your license suspended. You must request a hearing to appeal your suspension after your arrest for DWI. If you do not, then you will lose your right to keep your Texas driver’s license.

Stay Silent and Off of Social Media

It might be alluring to tell people about the events of DWI arrest, but it is critical that you remain silent. What you put out on social media can be admissible in a court of law. So, any inconsistencies that you might have between what you told the police and what you post online can come back to haunt you. It might also negatively impact your case.

In the same respect, don’t talk to people about the case outside of social media either. If you talk about the specifics of your case to anyone in your life, it is possible for them to testify against you. So, it is best to keep quiet until the case is entirely over.

Hire a Professional and Experienced Attorney

You will want to hire a professional who has experience in DWI arrest. A good defense lawyer might be able to build a winning defense. When you choose someone to represent you, however, choose carefully. Not all DWI attorneys are equally qualified. The steps that you take immediately following your arrest for DWI might help your case. With so much riding on a conviction, make sure you contact a professional like Stephen T. Bowling to be in your corner to build a winning defense.