After you are arrested for a DUI or DWI, your first concern should be to get a criminal defense attorney. Your next step is likely to gather evidence. One form of evidence you might seek is a police report.

Not sure what the police report includes? Want to learn more about the police report and how it can be used in your criminal court case? Here's what you should know.

What Does the Police Report Include?

A police report is a written record of the arrest and the evidence found at the scene of the incident. Typically, the police report is written up immediately after your arrest.

A police report essentially tells the story of what happened from the police officer's point of view. It will include observations the officer had, observations about your appearance, and any results of tests you participated in. The information can be detailed, but it is important to note that this does not mean a police report cannot be unbiased.

Is the Police Report Important Evidence?

Yes, you should consider the police report to be very relevant and pertinent to your criminal court case. If a police officer is called upon to provide testimony in the courtroom, they will likely refer to the police report. This report may be used to refresh the officer's memory, and in some cases, it may be all that they remember the incident.

Essentially, you should expect that the police report will be used by the prosecutor to establish the case. It is extremely important that you know what is on this report.

How Can You Get a Police Report?

The report will be shared with the prosecutors in your case, and your criminal defense attorney will also have access to it. You can request a copy through your attorney and sometimes through the DMV.

Do You Still Need an Attorney?

Even if you have access to a police report, you still need to gather other types of evidence. For this reason, it is important that you consult with a DWI attorney who can help you through this time. You don't have to gather everything on your own. In fact, trying to take all the weight on your shoulders means that you could find yourself facing more difficulties than you think.

Even if you know what the police report says, you need an attorney to help create a plan of defense. Contact a criminal defense attorney today to learn more.