If you’re wondering what you should do immediately after being arrested for a DUI, you are not alone. A DUI arrest is frightening and confusing. You may be unsure of your rights, what happens next, or how to begin to defend yourself. The choices you make in the moments following your arrest are critical—what you say and do can directly affect the outcome of your case.
Whether it’s your first offense or you’ve been through this before, a DUI arrest in Richmond, Virginia, is serious business.
You don’t have to navigate this process alone. DUI defense attorney Cody Villalon is here to guide you through it with clarity, urgency, and experience. If you’ve just been arrested, call him immediately at 804.316.0765.
Trust Cody Villalon With Your DUI Defense
For over a decade, Cody Villalon has defended clients in Richmond who have been charged with DUI and other criminal offenses. His reputation is built on immediate availability, deep legal knowledge, and compassionate, hands-on representation.
Cody is a sole practitioner. He carefully manages his caseload to provide his clients with the hands-on service they deserve. When you hire Cody, you get Cody—your case won’t be passed off to an associate or paralegal.
He understands the anxiety that is common after an arrest and takes every action with your best interests in mind. His experience with Virginia DUI law and the Richmond court system makes him an invaluable ally throughout the entire process after being arrested for a DUI.
Cody Villalon Answers Frequently Asked Questions About DUI Arrests in Virginia
Individuals arrested and charged with DUIs have many questions. Below, those Cody hears most often, along with his responses, have been shared.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested for a DUI?
Start with legal representation. Many people make the mistake of trying to explain their way out of a DUI arrest. Don’t. Instead, control what you can and request an attorney immediately. This is your constitutional right. The sooner you contact a skilled DUI defense lawyer, the better your chances of protecting your license, your record, and your freedom.
In Richmond and surrounding areas, individuals turn to Cody Villalon for high-quality, one-on-one criminal defense. He offers free consultations and responds quickly to urgent DUI matters. If you’re wondering what to do right after a DUI arrest, the answer is clear: contact legal counsel—fast.
What legally qualifies as DUI in Virginia?
Under Virginia law, DUI (Driving Under the Influence) means operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or being impaired by alcohol or drugs regardless of BAC. Even if you feel “fine,” if an officer suspects impairment, you can be arrested.
I’ve been arrested for DUI—now what?
What should you do immediately after being arrested for a DUI? Remain silent and contact an attorney. After your arrest, you’ll be transported to the police station, tested for BAC, booked, and possibly held until bond is set. Anything you say—no matter how innocent it seems—can be used against you.
Invoking your right to remain silent is not an admission of guilt. It’s one of the most important decisions you can make post-arrest. Do not say anything until you have consulted with your lawyer.
Will I automatically lose my driver’s license?
In most DUI cases, yes. Virginia law imposes an automatic 7-day license suspension for a first offense, immediately upon arrest. If you are convicted, your license could be suspended for up to a year or more. But don’t panic—there may be ways to contest the suspension or apply for a restricted license. Cody Villalon can help you determine the best approach based on your situation.
Should I have taken the breathalyzer?
If you’re wondering what you should do immediately after being arrested for a DUI, this question is key. Virginia’s implied consent law means that if you’re lawfully arrested, you must submit to a breath or blood test—or face an automatic one-year license suspension, even without a conviction.
However, these cases are nuanced. Cody Villalon can determine whether the stop and testing were lawful and determine if your rights were violated.
I wasn’t intoxicated—why was I still arrested?
You don’t have to be legally drunk to be arrested. You might fail a field sobriety test due to nerves, fatigue, or a medical condition. Unfortunately, officers often err on the side of caution and arrest.
Even if you believe the arrest was a mistake, you should still consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney. The best move after a DUI arrest is to protect your rights by calling someone who understands the system.
What Should I Do Immediately After Being Arrested for a DUI?
Your actions in response to an arrest matter. In all circumstances, Cody Villalon encourages his clients to follow these critical steps.
1. Remain Silent: Politely decline to answer questions until you have a lawyer present. Don’t try to talk your way out of the situation.
2. Request an Attorney Immediately: The single most important thing you can do is to retain legal counsel. The sooner you bring in a DUI defense attorney like Cody Villalon, the more time he has to build a strong defense strategy.
3. Document the Arrest: As soon as you’re released, write down everything you remember: what the officer said, what tests were done, whether you were read your rights, and any unusual circumstances. These details may be crucial to your defense.
4. Attend All Court Hearings: Failure to appear in court can lead to additional penalties. Cody will help you understand your legal obligations and prepare you for every step in the process.
5. Avoid Talking About the Case: Do not discuss your arrest on social media or with friends. Even innocent comments can be misinterpreted and used against you in court.
Your actions matter; consider them carefully.
Your Next Step: Contact Cody Villalon Right Away
If you’re still asking, “What should I do immediately after being arrested for a DUI?”, here’s the answer: Contact Cody Villalon. The choices you make in the first 24 to 48 hours after an arrest can influence the outcome of your case—and your future.
Cody Villalon’s reputation is outstanding. He offers complimentary consultations and is ready to get started as soon as you call. His mission is straightforward: to protect your rights, challenge weak evidence, and strive for the best possible outcome.
Contact him at 804.316.0765 today to schedule a free consultation
Being arrested for DUI doesn’t have to define your future. But how you respond to it—and who you trust to defend you—can make all the difference. Cody Villalon is committed to helping individuals facing trying situations, like DUIs. His ultimate goal is to minimize the impact of these situations on his clients’ lives.
DEFENSE ATTORNEY CODY VILLALON
Cody Villalon is a criminal defense attorney in Richmond, VA representing clients accused of violent offenses and DUIs, and he specializes in serious criminal charges. He possesses more than 15 years of legal experience, has defended more than 1,000 cases, and has spent more than 5,000 hours in court. He is highly professional and well-respected by prosecutors and judges. [ Attorney Bio ]
