Important Steps to Take After a New Jersey Drunk Driving Arrest

• Dan T. Matrafajlo
• Mon Nov 2023
• DWI,
• 0

No one plans on getting pulled over for drunk driving. But if it does happen, whether you believe that you were driving while under the influence, it is important to take certain steps to ensure you do not jeopardize your legal rights.

Below are five things to do after getting arrested for driving while under the influence (DWI):

1. Write Everything Down

Drunk driving cases are won and lost in the details. It is important that you document every detail from your DWI stop, regardless of how insignificant you may think the details are. Your memory will fade over time and the important details that could have helped you win your case could be lost.

It is also important that you write down everything you did during the day and night before the incident happened. You should also include where you went throughout the time immediately prior to the stop and where you were heading.

You should keep these things to yourself and not share them with anyone but your New Jersey drunk driving attorney.

2. Find Witnesses

You should talk to friends, family, and acquaintances, especially if they saw you on the day, night or even during the DWI stop. Ask them whether they will testify on your behalf in court if necessary. A good witness can be key in avoiding a conviction of the charges.

3. Get the Police Report

You have the right to request the police report of your arrest. The report will contain most of the evidence against you that your drunk driving attorney will need to overcome at trial. It will also have the narrative of your drunk driving arrest written by the arresting officer. You should review the details of the report closely and compare it to your own notes you created on the day of the arrest.

4. Make Your Social Media Accounts Private

In this new day and age, anything you post online can and will be used against you in a court of law. Prosecutors routinely go through DWI defendants’ social media profiles to look for incriminating posts and photos. These posts, presented out of context, can seriously damage your reputation and credibility with jury and ultimately lead to a conviction.

5. Hire an Experience New Jersey Drunk Driving Attorney

Perhaps the most important step you should immediately take after a DWI arrest is to hire a good drunk driving defense attorney. An experienced lawyer can come up with a strong defense strategy to increase your chances of avoiding a conviction.

Contact Us Today!

If you have been arrested for drunk driving, you should discuss your case, including any potential meritorious motions to suppress, with an experienced New Jersey DWI attorney. For more information or to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, please call Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC at 908-248-4404.