You don’t just have to be intoxicated to be charged with a DUI. You could be under the influence of drugs too. So if you’ve found yourself in the unfortunate position of being charged with drunk driving, here’s what you should do from the moment the police arrest you.
Be Calm
It’s never a good idea to fight the police officers. The charges you would be met with could be more severe – you’re resisting arrest after all.
By being calm, you’d be able to analyze the situation better. Although the police may have arrested you, the circumstances of them stopping and testing your alcohol levels may have been illegal. This could lead to all the evidence collected being dismissed.
Get Your Vehicle
The police would take you to the station. This means that your car would be towed. To get it back, you’ll have to pay the towing company out of pocket. You’ll be told which company took your vehicle, as well as all the details on how you can have it returned.
As soon as you can, arrange for the vehicle to be released. Your vehicle could be sold otherwise.
Processing
Being processed could take hours. The police would likely take your mug shot along with your fingerprints. You might also be interrogated about the incident that took place – you would be asked about the circumstances you were under.
If you’re a first-time offender, the processing could take even longer. After all, the system has no record of you.
All drunk driving charges are serious. However, the one you’re being charged with may especially be bad. It could be a felony offense – you were caught driving under the influence with a child in the car, or you injured or killed someone. Contact a good attorney.
Release
The police might let you out on bond. You’re allowed to contact someone to pay the fees. Working with the best bail lawyer near you is important, as you could get the rate lowered.
How severe the drunk driving charge is would affect the bond you’d have to pay. For example, if this is your second DUI, the bail would be high.
Sentencing
Your sentencing is all up to the court. If you don’t have a lawyer, one would be appointed to you. Go through the events that took place with the attorney. As mentioned, there may have been an error that makes all the evidence collected dismissible.
If you’re a repeat offender, you’d likely be sent to jail. Whether you’re a first- or second-time offender, you’ll have your driver’s license suspended.
You may be wondering – what penalty would you face if you won’t be sent to jail? Probation. It would be a minimum of one year.
Let’s summarize. No one wants to be arrested for a DUI. However, don’t resist the officers; this could lead to a more severe sentence. Be sure to get a good lawyer, too – he or she would create the best defense against the case against you.
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