DUI Checklist

 

[ ] Tell close friends and family members that you have been charged with a DUI. You do not want to deal with a DUI alone but do NOT take legal advice from them – they may be trying to help, but have wrong or outdated information

 

[ ] Read attorney reviews on Martindale.com and Avvo.com. Get matched with lawyers by completing the short form on myDUIattorney.org

 

[ ] Schedule initial consultations with 2 to 3 DUI attorneys, as quickly as possible

[ ] Request a DMV License Suspension Hearing – you only have a short time frame to do this. Your attorney will be able to tell you how long you have, and can request the hearing for you. Ask your attorney whether representation at the DMV hearing is included in their fee.

 

[ ] Obtain medical records and copies of prescriptions from your physicians

 

[ ] Review your finances. Figure out how you are going to pay for an attorney. Start applying for loans or credit cards if you need to

 

[ ] Speak to your doctor or a counselor if you are feeling overly stressed and overwhelmed by the DUI charge. You do not need to feel like this. There are people that can help.

 

[ ] Enroll in a drug or alcohol program. Even if you do not feel you have a problem, this will help encourage the DMV to grant you a temporary restricted driver’s license. You might want to make sure the program is one recognized by the court where you have been charged, so that you do not need to re-enroll.

 

[ ] Attend consultations with attorneys. Use the interview questions and worksheet below to evaluate them.

 

[ ] Hire an attorney. You should hire the attorney you feel has the best track record of success with similar cases, has been honest about the possible outcomes of your case, is within your budget, and you feel will be responsive during the entire process.

 

[ ] Attend your first court date. Or if you have been charged with a misdemeanor DUI offense, your attorney can go for you and keep you updated on next steps.