Being charged with Driving under the Influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol in any state in America can be a terrifying experience. Fines, court appearances, and legal fees are just the tip of the iceberg. A DUI can take a toll on your social life, personal and professional relationships, job, and mental health. It is common for people to experience anxiety during the first time DUI offense. However stressed you are, taking the right steps straight away after your arrest is essential for your trial and your protection.
Steps To Take After Your DUI Arrest
Take a chemical test after the arrest
In most states, it’s required for individuals to take a chemical test if suspected to be driving under the influence whether you are drunk or not. You can be arrested if your blood alcohol content reading is 0.08% or higher. It’s punishable under the law if you refuse to take the test too. The chemical test is designed to show your blood’s alcohol level at the time of your arrest.
Get the right DUI attorney
Get a lawyer who specializes in DUI. Laws regarding DUI are complicated and require a deep understanding of the legal system. While general attorneys can represent you in front of a judge, your chances of getting a favorable outcome for your offense lie with a reasonable DUI attorney.
Look for someone to post your bail after an arrest
While most people will be released without bail, especially if it’s a first-time offense, some cases may require a bondsman’s assistance. The bondsman will require upfront fees to post your bond. They also guarantee that you will be at your hearing; if not, they will likely come for you.
Appeal for a DMV hearing after your arrest
You only have up to 10 days, including holidays and weekends, to request a formal DMV hearing. This hearing is designed to determine if you get to keep your driving license. If your attorney doesn’t make a formal request, your driving license will be automatically suspended.
Make proper preparations for your arraignment
During an arraignment, you are required to enter a plea. If you have an experienced DUI attorney who can fight and win the case, do not plead guilty. A guilty plea will not get you a hearing in front of the jury, during which your attorney can prove you were not driving under the Influence, or get your case thrown out by challenging the merit of the matter in another way.
Tips to Help You After a DUI Arrest
- If pulled over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, do your best to cooperate, comply, and don’t argue with the arresting officer even if you are severely intoxicated.
- The officer will take you to the station in a patrol vehicle and in most cases, your vehicle will be towed at your expense. Immediately you are given contact details of the towing company, arrange for someone to pick the car up, and pay tow fees as quickly as possible.
- After arriving at the station your mugshots and fingerprints will be processed and an officer or investigator might come to ask you questions about the conditions of your DUI corporate with them and contact your lawyer.
- If you are to be released on bail, contact a friend or a bond dealer to come and bail you out.
- Be prepared to stay at the station for several hours before your DUI logistics charges are dropped, or bail is posted.
- When you appear in court, be respectful, remain calm during the proceedings and answer all questions asked truthfully.
- Ensure you complete any court referral or community service programs and pay any required fines as soon as possible.
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being arrested for a DUI, be grateful you were arrested before being involved in a severe accident. If well handled, a DUI charge can be a future treasured learning experience.
