Being arrested for DUI or impaired driving is overwhelming. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat charge, the next 24 hours are absolutely critical to how your case unfolds.

At JustCharged.com, we connect individuals across Canada and the USA with experienced DUI lawyers and criminal defense attorneys who understand what’s at stake. This guide walks you through the essential steps to take immediately after being charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) so you can protect your rights and your future.

Table of Contents

1. Stay Calm and Know Your Rights
2. Call a DUI Lawyer for Immediate Legal Advice
3. Document Everything You Remember
4. Keep All Paperwork from the Arrest
5. Request a License Suspension Hearing
6. Prepare for Your First Court Appearance
7. Understand the Legal Consequences of a DUI Charge
8. Help Your Lawyer Build a Strong Defense
9. Avoid Common Mistakes After a DUI Arrest
10. Start Planning Your Legal Strategy
11. Final Thoughts

1. Stay Calm and Know Your Rights

Being charged with impaired driving can feel like the end of the world, but panicking will only make things worse. It’s important to stay respectful and avoid arguing with officers. Remember:

• You have the right to remain silent
• You do not need to explain how much you had to drink
• You can request legal counsel immediately
  

It’s also critical to understand that DUI lawyers typically provide advice over the phone, not in person. So when you ask for a lawyer, expect a phone consultation before answering questions or making decisions.

2. Call a DUI Lawyer for Immediate Legal Advice

The first and most important step is to contact a DUI lawyer. The earlier a criminal defense lawyer is involved, the better the chances of protecting your rights and limiting legal damage.

At JustCharged.com, we make it easy to connect with top-rated DUI and impaired driving lawyers who offer fast, reliable advice often within minutes.

Your lawyer can:

• Explain your rights and next steps
• Guide you through bail or release
• Help you prepare for administrative and criminal processes

3. Document Everything You Remember

As soon as you can, write down every detail of the incident while your memory is fresh:

• Why you were stopped
• What you said to the officer
• Field sobriety or breath tests you completed
• Any unusual interactions or behavior from the officer

These notes could be key to building a strong DUI defense strategy.

4. Keep All Paperwork from the Arrest

Don’t throw anything away. Every document is important:

• Notice of license suspension
• Breathalyzer or roadside test results
• Police reports or citations
• Court appearance documents

Your DUI lawyer will use these to assess your case and identify potential errors or weak points.

5. Request a License Suspension Hearing

In some provinces and U.S. states, you have 7 days or less to challenge your license suspension. If you miss this deadline, your license could be automatically suspended even if you’re later found not guilty.

A DUI defense lawyer can help you file the appeal and argue your case at the hearing.

6. Prepare for Your First Court Appearance

Your first court date, known as an arraignment, usually happens within 2–4 weeks. During this appearance:

• Charges will be read aloud
• You’ll enter a plea (usually “not guilty”)
• Bail conditions may be reviewed

You don’t need a lawyer physically present, but you should have legal representation even if it’s by phone to guide you through it.

7. Understand the Legal Consequences of a DUI Charge

DUI and impaired driving convictions can carry serious penalties, including:

• License suspension (up to 90 days or longer)
• Thousands in fines
• Mandatory ignition interlock devices
• Criminal record
• Jail time for repeat offenders
• Increased insurance premiums
• Limited job and travel opportunities

Each province and state has different sentencing rules, so it’s crucial to speak to a local DUI lawyer who understands your jurisdiction.

8. Help Your Lawyer Build a Strong Defense

Here’s how you can assist your legal team:

• Provide names and contact details of any witnesses
• Send your notes and documents right away
• Be honest about your prior legal history
• Share any video footage or dash cam recordings

Your lawyer will look for errors in police procedures, faulty breathalyzer readings, and violations of your rights that can be used to reduce or dismiss your charges.

9. Avoid Common Mistakes After a DUI Arrest

Many people hurt their own defense by:

• Driving on a suspended license
• Missing court appearances
• Talking about their case online
• Contacting the officer or complainant

Avoid these pitfalls and let your lawyer handle all communication.

10. Start Planning Your Legal Strategy

A good legal defense is never one-size-fits-all. Your lawyer may recommend:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Contesting the results of the breath test
• Requesting dismissal based on procedural errors
• Entering a plea deal to avoid trial
• Applying for a first-offender or diversion program

At JustCharged.com, our network of DUI lawyers has successfully defended thousands of cases across Canada and the United States.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Act Now

The hours immediately following a DUI arrest are the most critical.

• Don’t wait for things to “settle down”
• Don’t assume a conviction is inevitable
• Don’t take legal advice from anyone but your lawyer

JustCharged.com helps people charged with DUI and impaired driving offenses connect with local, experienced criminal defense lawyers ready to fight for your future.

Need help now? Visit JustCharged.com and speak to a trusted lawyer today.