What To Do After Being Charged

If you have been charged with impaired driving, it is important that you understand as much about the criminal charges brought against you as possible. Every action, every answer, or the lack thereof, can impact your case. The more you are informed of your defence options, and the possible outcomes of each, the more prepared you will be to make an informed decision on how you want to proceed.

At my firm, Michel Fontaine, Criminal Lawyer, I have over 30 years of experience defending against impaired driving charges related to alcohol- and drug-related offences. I have seen every different scenario possible. I’ve leveraged this knowledge to provide some suggestions on what you should do immediately after receiving an impaired driving charge.

What You Should Do

• Always be honest with your lawyer, especially about the details of the case.
• Do not talk to the police without your lawyer.
• Write a comprehensive and very detailed statement of the events that led up to your arrest, including all your interactions with the officers and their procedures.
• Compile a list of witnesses who can testify for you.
• Do not post about your case on social media. Only discuss your case with your lawyer.
• Save and present all documents, videos, emails and social media posts that may help exonerate you.
• Return calls and emails from your lawyer in a timely manner.
• Show up early for court appearances.
• Dress appropriately for court appearances.
• Conduct yourself with professionalism and show the utmost respect to everyone in the courtroom.