Preparing for Your DWI Case

Essential steps to help your attorney build the strongest possible defense for your DWI charges.

Time-Sensitive Actions (Do Immediately)

  • Request ALR hearing (15 days) - Critical deadline
  • Contact an attorney immediately - Don't wait
  • Don't discuss your case - With anyone except your lawyer
  • Preserve evidence - Videos, photos, receipts
  • Get medical records - If relevant to your case
  • Document witnesses - Names and contact information
  • Save receipts - From the night of arrest
  • Write down details - While memory is fresh

Document Everything

Write Down Details
Timeline of Events:
  • Where you were before driving
  • What you ate and drank (amounts, times)
  • Who you were with
  • Medications taken
  • Why you were driving
  • Details of the traffic stop
  • Officer's behavior and statements
  • Field sobriety test details
Gather Evidence
Physical Evidence:
  • Photos of arrest location
  • Weather conditions
  • Road conditions
  • Lighting conditions
  • Bar/restaurant receipts
  • Credit card statements
  • Surveillance footage requests
  • Medical records

Witness Information

Collect Complete Contact Information For:
Character Witnesses
  • People who saw you before driving
  • Bartenders or servers
  • Friends who were with you
  • People who can testify about your sobriety
Event Witnesses
  • People who saw the traffic stop
  • Passengers in your vehicle
  • Other drivers on the road
  • Bystanders during field sobriety tests
For Each Witness, Record:
  • Full name and contact information
  • What they observed
  • When they observed it
  • Their relationship to you
  • Their availability to testify

Medical Information

Medications

Gather information about all medications:

  • Prescription medications (current and recent)
  • Over-the-counter drugs
  • Supplements and vitamins
  • Dosages and timing
  • Side effects that could affect driving
  • Doctor's instructions
Medical Conditions

Document conditions that could affect tests:

  • Diabetes or blood sugar issues
  • Balance or coordination problems
  • Eye or vision problems
  • Inner ear problems
  • Neurological conditions
  • Recent injuries or surgeries

Working Effectively with Your Attorney

Do This
  • Be completely honest about everything
  • Follow your attorney's advice
  • Return calls and emails promptly
  • Arrive on time for appointments
  • Bring all requested documents
  • Ask questions if you don't understand
  • Keep attorney-client communications confidential
  • Pay fees and costs as agreed
Don't Do This
  • Don't hide important facts
  • Don't discuss your case with others
  • Don't post about your case on social media
  • Don't contact the prosecutor directly
  • Don't miss court dates
  • Don't get arrested again
  • Don't ignore your attorney's calls
  • Don't make decisions without consulting counsel

Preparing for Court Appearances

Professional Appearance
  • Dress conservatively and professionally
  • Arrive 30 minutes early
  • Turn off cell phone
  • Bring identification
  • Be respectful to court staff
Courtroom Behavior
  • Stand when the judge enters
  • Address the judge as "Your Honor"
  • Let your attorney speak for you
  • Don't interrupt or show emotion
  • Follow all court rules

Get Professional Legal Help

Proper case preparation can make the difference between conviction and dismissal. Don't face DWI charges alone.

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