The Steps to Take if You've Been Arrested for an Impaired Driving Offence
Impaired driving charges are very serious and the steps you take after you've been arrested can make a big difference in the consequences you might have to face. If you do the right thing, there is still a chance that you can have the case thrown out or reduce the penalties. If you do the wrong thing, however, you could end up in more trouble. Let's take a look at what you should do after getting arrested for impaired driving.
Know the Laws in Your Jurisdiction
The first step you should take after getting arrested for impaired driving is to check the laws in your province. Some will have laws that are harsher than others. You want to know what the penalties for impaired driving offences are in that jurisdiction.
You also want to inform yourself of programs you could enroll in. Some will allow you to attend rehab to reduce your sentence. Others may allow you to start driving sooner if you install a breathalyzer device on your car. These are all things you should start researching right now.
Call a Lawyer
The next step is to call a lawyer. Call someone in the jurisdiction you were arrested in and make sure that they have significant experience defending these kinds of cases. You also want to know which type of results they were able to get.
Try to gauge how honest they are. If they’re too positive and try to minimize everything, then that’s a red flag. They should also be able to explain the whole process for you and offer you a variety of solutions. Make sure that you're on the same page and that you understand everything they're telling you. If you don't understand something, don't be afraid to ask. You need an attentive and dedicated lawyer if you want to get a good outcome.
Contacts and Arrangements
Chances are you won’t be able to drive for a while, so you may want to let anyone who’s dependent on your driving know. You may also want to talk to your employer if you need a driver’s license to work. Also know that you may not be able to work if you were working in certain fields, like security for instance. However, it’s better to wait until you’re convicted before you contact them in this case.
Track Your Vehicle Down
You have to make sure that you track your vehicle the day after you were arrested. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to track down and the more you'll pay in fees. So, find your vehicle and get it back as soon as you can.
Get New ID
Driver’s licenses are usually used as a form of ID, so you may need a new one from now on. While your health card usually counts, you may need additional ID in certain cases. In this case, it would be a good idea to get your passport if you don’t have one, or renew it.
These are the steps that should be taken if you've been arrested for impaired driving. The key is in knowing your rights and working with the right team.
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