What to do after a DUI arrest in Naples.

Step 1

Check the driver-license notice immediately.

A DUI arrest may create an administrative driver-license suspension separate from the criminal case. Review the notice for its issuance date, the temporary-permit language, the reason stated for suspension, and the review instructions.

Florida law generally provides 10 days after issuance of the notice to request a formal or informal review or pursue another available review process. Waiting for the first criminal court date can cause the administrative deadline to pass.

Step 2

Keep every document from the arrest and release.

Preserve the citation, notice of suspension, temporary permit, arrest paperwork, property receipt, bond documents, release conditions, tow information, and any court notice.

Photograph or scan both sides of each page. Do not write on original documents. Keep them together in a safe location.

Step 3

Follow all bond and release conditions.

Conditions may address alcohol, driving, travel, contact, testing, monitoring, or court appearances. Violating a condition can create additional legal problems even when the person believes the original DUI allegation is defensible.

Step 4

Be cautious about discussing the facts.

Statements to law enforcement, witnesses, passengers, employers, insurers, treatment providers, or social-media audiences may become relevant. Avoid posting about the arrest, location, alcohol use, driving, video, or anticipated defense.

Preserve existing messages and posts rather than deleting or altering information that may be evidence.

Step 5

Identify evidence before it disappears.

Useful evidence may include body-camera footage, dash-camera video, nearby business cameras, residential cameras, phone location data, photographs, receipts, rideshare records, witness contact information, medical records, and vehicle condition.

Some video systems overwrite recordings quickly. Identifying possible sources early may help preserve information.

Step 6

Create a private factual timeline.

While events are fresh, write down locations, approximate times, food and drink, medication, sleep, injuries, vehicle issues, officer instructions, exercises requested, testing, statements, witnesses, and release information.

Keep the timeline private and provide it only to an attorney after discussing how it should be handled.

Step 7

Calendar every court and administrative date.

Missing court can result in a warrant or other consequences. Calendar the first court date, any reporting obligations, administrative-review deadlines, and dates listed in release paperwork.

Step 8

Obtain advice based on the actual records.

A useful review may involve the stop, actual physical control, field sobriety exercises, body-camera video, breath or blood procedures, medical conditions, witness information, and the separate license process.

The best next step depends on the evidence and the person’s driving history, prior record, license needs, court posture, and objectives.