Steps To Take After a DUI Charge in Norfolk

If you are accused of driving under the influence in Norfolk, Virginia, there are a number of important steps you should take as soon as possible to ensure that your situation is minimized as much as possible. Below, a Norfolk DUI lawyer discusses a few of these steps and how they can help. For more specific information, schedule a consultation today.

Contacting An Attorney

The first thing anyone facing a DUI charge should do is call an attorney as soon as possible. This is because it’s really important to treat a DUI charge seriously and to walk into court prepared. Having an attorney from the start is the best way to make sure this happens.

An attorney will also be able to advise people facing DUI charges to start attending some sort of alcohol treatment or counseling programs whether it’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or VASAP and to make sure that they have documentation of their attendance so that they can present it in court. Sometimes, if there isn’t much of a defense in the particulars of the case, then having someone taking charge of their life by getting treatment or counseling is the next best thing to get a favorable result.

Other Steps To Take

It’s important for people charged with a DUI in Norfolk to make sure they’re using their free time wisely while their case is pending. The last thing they need is another alcohol related charge or anything that is going to hurt their case. Most of my clients tell me that they do not have a substance abuse problem and if that is the case, then they should have no problem not drinking anything while their case is pending. Instead, they should be taking the steps to help their case by attending the AA meetings or getting counseling.

The time while the case is pending is the only time that they have to help themselves with their charge and it’s important for people to do as much damage-control during this time period as possible and to not do anything at all that may potentially harm their case further.

Disclosing Your Charge To Insurance

Individuals should not inform their insurance provider of a DUI after they get an actual conviction unless there is some other requirement in their insurance contract that they must inform their provider and inform them of the charge.

There is no advantage to informing the insurance company while the charge is still pending and the risk is that the insurance company could cancel the driver’s insurance just for being charged at all. This is not very fair, considering that someone is innocent until proven guilty.

Effect of DUI Charge on Insurance

DUIs generally cause insurance rates to drastically increase or they can cause insurance companies to drop them altogether. High risk insurance is required for anyone who wants to obtain a restricted license once their license has been suspended for a DUI. High risk insurance is pretty expensive.

If Someone Is Charged With a DUI as a Result of an Accident, Should They Speak to Their Insurance Before a Lawyer?

No. They should speak with a lawyer first if they are charged with a DUI as a result of an accident. This is because it is really important to not make any statements that will later hurt the case in court. An attorney is the best source of advice for someone of what should be disclosed and what is better left unsaid.