If you are lucky enough to have a license, you will know that driving under the influence is illegal. When you apply to drive in Scottsdale or any part of Arizona, you are giving the authorities consent to test you. The authorities can test you for intoxicating liquor or drugs if you’re arrested.
If you have been caught driving under the influence (DUI) here’s what you should do:
Ask For Help
One of the first things that you need to do if you’ve been caught driving under the influence is to ask for help. According to Aaron Blacklaw, a Scottsdale DUI Lawyer, “A lawyer can help to negotiate any sentence and/or fine that you’re given”. In addition to this, they can help you to look more favorable in the court’s eyes. Seriously consider asking for help from someone who knows Arizona’s DUI laws well.
Try not to go it alone and deal with the courts yourself. If you do, you’re unlikely to give the courts an explanation that could prove to be beneficial to you. Hiring a lawyer may not take your DUI away, but it can give you a much better chance of having a reduced sentence or lower fine.
Be Truthful with Your Lawyer
If you have hired a lawyer, you need to make sure you’re truthful with them. Your lawyer is there to help you. Tell your lawyer why you were under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The more honest you are, the more they can help you.
Your lawyer can explain your situation to the court in a way that could be advantageous to you. This is why it always makes sense to tell the truth, no matter how much it may hurt. The more truthful you are, the more favorable you may be seen in the eyes of the court.
Opt For Treatment
If you are arrested and found guilty of driving under the influence, you will need to undergo a few programs and procedures. One of the first things you’ll do is to speak to a health professional about any alcohol and/or drug problem you may have. You will also be required to undergo treatment depending on the interview’s outcome. Finally, you will need to have at least 16 hours of education regarding any drug or alcohol problem. The education will either take place online or in a classroom.
While you might not like the sound of any of the above procedures, you may need to say “Yes” to them. The more willing you are to undergo these programs and procedures, the more favorable you could be seen in court.
Ask For Your Case to be Set Aside
As soon as your case is closed, you can ask for it to be set aside. If the court agrees to this, the “Set aside” will appear on any background checks that are carried out. What this means is that the court has recognized that you have completed all of its requirements. In other words, you’ve done exactly what the court has asked of you.
The law in Arizona does not allow for cases to be expunged (Deleted) or sealed (so that people can’t see what you were in court for). However, the “set aside” option is available and may be worth opting for.
Pay Your Fines
it’s important that you always pay any fine you receive. If you cannot afford to pay the fine off in one go, try not to worry. The court may be able to offer you a payment plan. Just be sure to stick with the plan as failing to make the payments isn’t a good idea. Try to come up with a payment plan that you can realistically afford. The court may take a look at your monthly incomings and outgoings so that they can offer you a reasonable payment plan. If you don’t think you’ll be able to afford it, you must say.
If you have been caught driving under the influence, you could be facing jail and/or a fine. Arizona’s driving rules may seem strict, but they are there to protect you and other drivers. Hire a lawyer and let them do the hard work for you. Please don’t try to negotiate with the court on your own. Let the lawyer speak on your behalf as the sentence and/or fine could be lessened. Use the above tips to help you to cope with the consequences of your DUI.