The first thing you should do as soon as you are charged with a DUI is to stay calm. Maintaining your composure will go a long way toward helping you communicate clearly and make good decisions.
Make sure that you understand what the charges are. Ask whether the charge is specifically for drugs other than alcohol. Identify the applicable statute which you are being charged under. Knowing the charges against you and the basis for them is important for your next step.
Get a DUI Lawyer in Oklahoma City
The next step is to get a lawyer! Look for someone with experience in DUI cases, especially cases involving drugs. You want a lawyer who is familiar with Oklahoma’s laws related to the DUI offenses. It is also a good idea to find an attorney with advanced training, such as the training offered by the Trial College at Harvard University’s National College for DUI Defense.
A lawyer can help you not only with forming a strong defense but also can help you understand plea agreements. The plea agreement might involve probation, random drug testing, or alternative treatment options. If possible, it is always best to resolve the case without a conviction or the loss of your license. If you’re not sure you can afford a lawyer, most lawyers offer payment plans. For more information, click here.
Gather Evidence
The next step is to gather evidence. This is especially critical for cases that involve prescription medications. Evidence in support of your case could include medical records to show that you were using the drugs lawfully. This is not technically a defense under Oklahoma law, but it can influence how the court perceives the charges.
Contact witnesses as well, and collect statements from them describing what happened. Look for people who can attest to your state of mind and your behavior at the time you were arrested or at the time of the incident.
Know Your Rights
Finally, it’s very important to be aware of what your rights are under the law, and to use them. You have the right to remain silent when you are detained or arrested. Like they say on TV, anything that you say may be used against you in court. You also have the right to an attorney, and it is in your best interest to engage one as soon as possible.
You also have the right to challenge the evidence against you, especially if you feel that the evidence is not accurate or was obtained illegally. In Oklahoma, you should know that you have the right to ask that your blood samples be retested by an independent facility, since this can be an important part of challenging evidence against you.
So if you have been charged with a DUI, don’t panic. Take a deep breath, and then take simple steps to help yourself.
