Check out this article on What to Do After a DUI
You’ve just been taken into custody for driving while under the influence, and it feels as though a pit has settled into your stomach. How will this DUI impact your future career opportunities? And will you end up spending some time behind bars?
The reality is, you’re not the only person facing this situation. Research shows that around 1.5 million individuals — or one in 121 drivers — were taken into custody for DUI.
The good news? You can take steps to protect your best interests after getting a DUI. Here’s a rundown on what to do after a DUI in four steps.
Let’s get started.
1. Secure a Ride
After being arrested for driving while under the influence, you might be able to return home from jail right away as long as somebody else pays your bail and takes you home. If not, you will be required to remain behind bars overnight.
Either way, it’s wise for you to find someone who can give you a ride back to your home. This is important because authorities will likely suspend your license right away following your DUI. If you attempt to drive home with a suspended license, this may lead to yet another criminal charge against you.
2. Show Up at Court
Prior to your departure home, authorities will give you notice including the date you’re supposed to make a court appearance for your charge.
Be sure to remember the date and time of your mandatory court appearance. Also, make sure that you have no other appointments or commitments in place that may conflict with this date. If you miss your court date, a warrant will be issued for your arrest, which will put you in even more hot water legally.
3. Arrange for Transportation
As you await your DUI court date, be sure to arrange for someone to chauffeur you around town while your license is suspended. Alternatively, you may want to take advantage of your city’s public transportation system.
Note, though, that the court could give you a hardship license if you need one to drive to school or work yourself. So, be sure to inquire about this if you think you may need one.
4. Hire an Attorney
As you face your DUI charge, it may behoove you to hire a DUI attorney as soon as possible.
An attorney can help you to try to prove your innocence if you ended up failing your field sobriety test. After all, drivers can easily fail field sobriety tests, even if they were not drinking, if they feel anxious during their tests.
Likewise, attorneys may be able to help you to prove if the breathalyzer used on you at the scene of your arrest was faulty.
Finally, your attorney can help you through the process of recording your recollection of what took place at the time of your arrest. In addition, they may help you to get testimonies from individuals who were present at the time in an effort to build your case for innocence.
Master What to Do After a DUI Today
Being faced with a DUI charge can no doubt be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. That’s because a DUI charge can have a major impact on your life.
For instance, your driver’s license might be suspended or completely revoked. In addition, you could face hefty court costs and fees. And even jail time or the loss of your job might be unavoidable.
Follow the above-listed six steps on what to do after a DUI right away to minimize the negative impacts of your DUI charge on your future.
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