If you have recently been arrested and charged with a DUI or DWI, you are probably afraid that your life -- as you know it is over. Although it is certainly true that many jurisdictions take drinking and driving charges very seriously, you shouldn't assume that there is nothing that you can do about it.

By following the right steps after you have been charged and before your court date, you can help ensure that things go as well for you as possible when you go to court:

1. Hire a Lawyer

You might assume that you can represent yourself or wait a little while to hire a lawyer, but it's important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after your DUI charge. A good lawyer can help gather evidence that can be used in your defense and can help ensure that you are properly prepared for your court date.

Plus, he or she can serve as an ally for you in the court room, which can be helpful when you are dealing with the fear that can go along with getting convicted. This is why it's best to move quickly and hire a lawyer as soon as possible after you have been charged.

2. Seek Treatment for Your Alcohol Use

One way that you can help yourself in court -- and in your life as a whole -- is by seeking treatment for your alcohol use. If you are able to display to a judge and prosecutor that you are working to resolve your drinking issues, you can look better in court. Plus, you can make positive changes in your own life by seeking alcohol treatment.

Seek an alcohol treatment facility to have an assessment done and to find out more about meetings, outpatient treatment and inpatient options, and consider enrolling yourself in the recommended treatment. Then, you can show your paperwork to the judge to prove that you have tried to do something about your situation.

3. Start Gathering Positive Evidence

You need to make yourself look as good in front of the judge as possible, so start gathering positive evidence about yourself now. For example, bringing in a copy of your clean driving record, proof that you have done service in your community or other evidence that can help you look like a law abiding citizen can help you. You can talk to your lawyer for ideas that work best for your situation.

Although a pending drinking and driving charge can be scary, the worst thing that you can do is sit back and wait for something to happen. Instead, be proactive, and follow these three tips to prepare yourself. Then, you can help increase the chances that things will go in your favor when you do finally go to court.

To learn more, contact a company like Tekulve Law.