If you just got arrested for a DUI, a lot of things might be racing through your head.  Here are the first 5 things you should do right now.

The First 5 Things You Should Do When You’re Accused of a DUI

1. Write down everything

DUI cases are won and lost with their details. So write down everything you remember from your DUI stop, no matter how insignificant. Do it now. Your memory will fade over time, and important details that could help win your case could be lost. Here are some questions to jog your memory:

• 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

Remember the phrase “anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law?” Well, in this era of social media, anything you post online can and will be used against you too. Prosecutors often scour social media sites like Facebook or Twitter looking for incriminating photos or posts to use against DUI defendants.

Presented out of context, these public materials can damage your reputation enough to turn a jury against you – even if you’re innocent. Don’t give the other side this ammunition. Check your privacy settings to see what you would like to share and with whom. We cannot advise you to delete posts or pictures.

3. Find witnesses

Talk to your friends, family, and acquaintances – especially if they saw you right before, right after, or even during your stop. Ask them if they would be willing to testify on your behalf in court. Witnesses can go a long way to strengthen your defense, so gather as many as you can.

4. Hire the best DUI lawyer

The most important decision you’ll make for your DUI case is which lawyer will defend you in court. The expert DUI attorneys of The McShane Firm are the most qualified, most highly trained DUI attorneys in Pennsylvania. They specialize in professionally aggressive representation and vow to fight aggressively for your case, your license, and your rights.

5. Don’t obsess

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 case, 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.

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.