If you were recently arrested for a DUI, you are probably scared about the future and wondering about whether you will go to jail or lose your license. There is still a long way to go before you should think about penalties and sentencing. Right now, there are things you should be doing to strengthen your case.

Here are the first 5 things you should do if you are arrested for a DUI:

1. Note all the details

In criminal cases, the details matter. The problem for many people is that they are so shocked and scared by their arrest that they don’t remember what happened. This is why you should write down everything you remember from your DUI stop, no matter how insignificant. Do it now before you forget. Pay attention to information like:

• When and where were you stopped?
• What reason did the officer give for your stop?
• Was a breath test administered? If so, with what device?
• What did you tell the officer about what you had to eat or drink?

Take some time to write down everything you can remember from the stop. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Take a look at what you have shared on social media

Be smart when it comes to your social media accounts. Judges, juries, and prosecutors are human. They use Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat too. It’s not uncommon for them to look you up. Think about what image of yourself you want to portray and consider your privacy settings.

3. Find witnesses who could testify for you

Whether or not your case goes to trial is a decision that will be made much later on. However, you can strengthen your case today by getting a list of possible witnesses together. Think about who was with you before and after the arrest and write down their names and numbers. You will want to discuss this information with your attorney.

4. Hire the best DUI lawyer you can get your hands on

The most important decision you will make in this case is who is going to stand up and represent you. DUI cases are complicated. There are many matters of law and science that need to be examined. Truth be told, many lawyers have no formal training in science and can’t effectively challenge the test results.

At The McShane Firm, we are “The Science Attorneys”. Judges, prosecutors, and police officers respect how professionally we handle cases. We know forensic science. We have attended intensive scientific training just so we can understand and challenge DUI test results in court. We have found this strategy has made a big difference for many of our clients.

5. Take a Deep Breath

We’re not going to tell you not to worry about it. You will and you should. We are going to tell you to get prepared and get the best legal representation you can. Your DUI case is likely among most stressful events of your life. No matter the facts and circumstances or the eventual outcome, a DUI charge is a life changing event.

It’s natural to obsess over the consequences and the outcome. An aggressive DUI lawyer – like the attorneys of The McShane Firm – will fight for you and can take much of the stress and burden off your shoulders. If you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be well on your way toward defending your DUI case.

If you have been charged with a DUI in PA, please call (717) 690-8643 to speak to an experienced defense attorney at The McShane Firm. We have helped thousands of Pennsylvania residents and we have the knowledge and experience to fight for you.

Justin McShane

PA DUI attorney Justin J. McShane is the President/CEO of The McShane Firm, LLC - Pennsylvania's top criminal law and DUI law firm. He is the highest rated DUI attorney in PA as rated by Avvo.com. Justin McShane is a double Board certified attorney. He is the first and so far the only Pennsylvania attorney to achieve American Bar Association recognized board certification in DUI defense from the National College for DUI Defense, Inc. He is also a Board Certified Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, a Pennsylvania Supreme Court Approved Agency.