Being charged with a DUI is a scary situation for anyone to be in, whether it's your first offense or you've been in the situation before. There are likely a million thoughts running through your mind after the traffic stop, such as what you should do next and what your options are. That's understandable considering a DUI charge can wind up requiring you to pay expensive fines and may even have you spending time in jail.

Simply thinking about all the possible consequences you will be facing may have you feeling pretty defeated. But instead of letting yourself get too worried and stressed out, you need to remain calm. To help you out, we're sharing what to do immediately after a DUI in order to get a better handle of your case.

Write down everything you remember.

After your traffic stop, it would be wise to write down everything you remember from the time of the incident. Make a note of when and where you were stopped, as well as the reason the officer gave you for the traffic stop. If you took a breath test, write that down along with a description of what the device looked like. If you performed any other tests during the traffic stop (such as field sobriety tests), jot that down as well.

While this may seem insignificant, it's actually going to be very useful. When preparing for your case, you need to make sure you are aware of all the details, even the smallest ones. Plus, you'll need to pass that information along to your attorney, as it will help when crafting a defense for your case. You don't want to risk forgetting any important information your attorney could use for your benefit.

Make your social media profiles private.

Another thing that many don't think to do after being charged with a DUI is to make their social media profiles private. In this day and age, people are often guilty of oversharing on social media, which could lead the police to find some incriminating evidence to use against you in court. While you could simply delete anything that might seem questionable, it's best to make your accounts private as soon as possible to eliminate any potential risks.

Hire an experienced DUI attorney.

Don't make the mistake of trying to handle your case on your own. Instead, you need to seek the help of an experienced DUI attorney if you hope to reduce or even dismiss the criminal charges you're facing. An experienced attorney is one who has dealt with DUI cases time and time again and has received favorable outcomes for clients in the past.

Once you've found a few qualified options for DUI attorneys in your area, take the time to meet with them before deciding on one. Typically, attorneys will offer free initial consultations for new clients. This is your opportunity to meet with an attorney, discuss your case, and determine what your potential options are. Choose the attorney that has years of experience, but that you also feel comfortable with so you'll be confident in your decision.

Figure out what you're dealing with and your potential options.

When meeting with potential attorneys, use that time to your advantage to get as much information about your case as possible. You'll want to determine what the attorney's preliminary evaluation is, such as which defenses might be available to you and which one is best suited for your case. It's also a good idea to be aware of the possible consequences you could be facing so you know what you're up against when you head to court.

You'll also want to ask about the attorney's fees. Working with an attorney can be expensive, so you'll need to figure out how much services will cost, how much you might expect to pay in court fees, and if there are payment plans available. It's always better to be aware of exactly what's going on in your case.

Don't panic.

The worst thing you can do when dealing with a DUI charge is to allow yourself to become anxious and stressed over the situation. That simply will not do you any favors. Remember to stay focused. If you've taken the necessary measures and hired an attorney to represent you, know that you have done all the right things so far. Allow your attorney to do his/her job in handling your case and know you're in good hands.

Dealing with a DUI charge is undoubtedly a scary time, but by following these steps, you can navigate the situation with ease. These tips will hopefully make the process much easier and should cut down on some of the stress you're likely dealing with. Don't forget to seek help right way if you've been charged with a DUI. The sooner you get your attorney involved, the better.