What to Do After a DUI Arrest: Your Action Plan
The hours and days following a DUI arrest are critical. Take the right steps now to protect your rights, your license, and your future. Our former prosecutors guide you through each essential action.
Critical Deadlines - Act Now!
- 10 Days: Request DMV hearing or lose license automatically
- 30 Days: Temporary license expires
- 48-72 Hours: Contact experienced DUI attorney
- Immediately: Stop talking about your case to anyone except your lawyer
Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)
1Get Released from Custody
Most DUI arrests result in release within 8-12 hours, but you need to understand your release conditions:
- You'll receive a citation with your court date (usually 4-6 weeks out)
- Your physical license is taken and replaced with a temporary license
- The temporary license is valid for 30 days
- You may have conditions like no driving without a valid license
2Secure Your Vehicle and Belongings
Your vehicle was likely towed and impounded. Take action quickly to minimize costs:
- Contact the tow company within 24 hours to arrange pickup
- Bring valid ID, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance
- Daily storage fees accumulate quickly ($20-$50 per day)
- You'll need someone with a valid license to drive the vehicle
3Document Everything You Remember
While events are fresh in your memory, write down important details:
- What you had to eat and drink (including times)
- Any medications you're taking
- How you were driving when stopped
- What the officer said and did
- Any medical conditions or injuries
- Weather and road conditions
Critical: 10-Day DMV Hearing Deadline
You Have Only 10 Days to Save Your License
This is separate from your criminal case. If you don't request a DMV hearing within 10 days of your arrest, your license will be automatically suspended.
How to Request:
- • Call DMV at (916) 322-7345
- • Online at dmv.ca.gov
- • Have your attorney handle it
- • Must be done within 10 calendar days
What Happens if You Don't:
- • Automatic license suspension
- • No hearing opportunity
- • 4 months suspension (1st offense)
- • 1 year suspension (refusal)
Don't risk it - have an experienced attorney request your hearing immediately.
First Week Actions
Contact an Experienced DUI Attorney
Don't wait - early intervention can make the difference between conviction and dismissal:
- • Request DMV hearing before deadline
- • Begin evidence preservation
- • Identify potential defenses
- • Protect you from self-incrimination
- • Negotiate with prosecutors early
- • Challenge evidence collection
- • Explore alternative sentencing
- • Minimize license suspension
Gather Important Documents
Collect all relevant documentation for your attorney:
From the Arrest:
- • Citation/ticket
- • Temporary license
- • Tow receipt
- • Any receipts from the day
Personal Records:
- • Medical records
- • Prescription medications
- • Driving record
- • Employment information
Arrange Transportation
Plan for the possibility of license suspension:
- • Explore public transportation options
- • Arrange rides with family/friends
- • Consider rideshare services
- • Discuss work transportation with employer
- • Look into restricted license eligibility
Critical: What NOT to Do
Don't Talk About Your Case
- • Don't discuss details with friends or family
- • Don't post on social media about the arrest
- • Don't talk to police without an attorney
- • Don't admit guilt to anyone
- • Don't try to explain what happened
Don't Make These Mistakes
- • Don't drive on a suspended license
- • Don't ignore court dates
- • Don't represent yourself in court
- • Don't wait to get help
- • Don't assume you're guilty
Remember: Anything you say can and will be used against you. Only discuss your case with your attorney.
Preparing for Your Court Appearance
Before Your Arraignment
What to Expect:
- • Charges will be formally read
- • You'll enter a plea (usually not guilty)
- • Bail conditions may be set
- • Next court date will be scheduled
How to Prepare:
- • Dress professionally
- • Arrive early
- • Bring your attorney
- • Don't discuss your case in the courthouse
Building Your Defense
Your attorney will investigate several potential defenses:
- • Legality of the traffic stop
- • Accuracy of field sobriety tests
- • Proper administration of chemical tests
- • Officer training and certification
- • Medical conditions affecting tests
- • Equipment calibration and maintenance
- • Chain of custody for blood samples
- • Constitutional violations
Long-term Considerations
Employment and Professional Licenses
A DUI conviction can affect your career:
- • Notify your employer if required by company policy
- • Check if your professional license is at risk
- • Consider how a conviction might affect future job prospects
- • Discuss with your attorney how to minimize career impact
Insurance and Financial Planning
Prepare for potential financial impacts:
- • Contact your insurance company about SR-22 requirements
- • Budget for potential fines, fees, and increased insurance
- • Consider the cost of alternative transportation
- • Plan for potential time off work for court appearances
Why Former Prosecutors Make the Difference
Insider Knowledge
We know how prosecutors build cases and where to find weaknesses.
Relationships
Professional relationships with judges and prosecutors lead to better outcomes.
Proven Results
Track record of dismissals, reductions, and favorable plea agreements.
Don't Wait - Take Action Now
Every day you wait is a day lost in building your defense. The 10-day DMV deadline is approaching, and evidence is getting stale. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.
We'll Handle Immediately:
- • Request your DMV hearing
- • Begin evidence preservation
- • Protect you from self-incrimination
- • Start building your defense
You'll Get:
- • Free case evaluation
- • Clear explanation of your options
- • Honest assessment of your case
- • Peace of mind knowing experts are helping
Action Checklist
Emergency Contacts
DMV Hearing Request
(916) 322-7345
The H Law Group
(408) 338-6889
Santa Clara County Jail
(408) 808-4500