Perhaps, you simply didn’t think before getting in your car. Maybe your friends warned you, but you believed you were truly safe to drive. No matter what the reason was, you now have a DUI charge and are completely unaware of what comes next.
Although you may begin to panic or feel guilty for your actions, with a bit of preparation and understanding, you can streamline this entire horrible situation and never repeat it again. Below is a rundown of exactly what will happen after you have been arrested for a DUI so you can finally relax knowing what’s to come.
- You are Arrested and can Post Bail
The first thing that happens after you don’t pass the sobriety test is that you will be arrested. If this has already happened to you, then you know that you will be able to post bail or work with a bail bonds company at this point to get out. Otherwise, you must spend a day in jail until you sober up. In some cases, the sobriety test or breathalyzer won’t be administered, which may actually help you later on during your case. Without measuring your , you can fight that they had no evidence to look you up other than conjecture and possibly have the case dismissed.
- Immediately Consult With a DUI Charges Defense Attorney
Once you are out of jail, you will be given a court date, and this is exactly how long you will have to prepare your case with a DUI charges defense attorney. As such, you will want to immediately consult with a qualified local attorney to compile the best case possible and try to reduce your charges in the courtroom.
- Your Driving Privileges Will be Revoked
The next thing that will happen after you are released is that your driving privileges will be revoked. These privileges are typically revoked for 60 days where you can then reinstate your license and begin driving once more.
However, the judge may extend this period if they feel as though it is necessary or you have not learned your lesson. This is why being respectful, taking the charge seriously, and working with an attorney is so important.
- You Will Need to Pay a Fine
If you are planning to admit guilt in the courtroom, you can expect to pay a fine for your charges. These fines differ between states but, typically, a first DUI carries $390 to $1,000 in fines as well as additional classes or penalty assessments that require fees likewise.
On top of this, to , you will also have to pay a charge that can range wildly as well but is typically between $100 and $300.
- You May be Sent to Jail or Made to do Community Service
When sentenced, the judge has the right to make you go to jail or do community service for your actions. Since the first DUI states up to 90 days can be added, you could face months in jail or doing some form of community service. However, with an experienced attorney, these numbers could decrease drastically.
- Some States Require Victim’s Panels to be Completed
Another thing the judge may request from you is the completion of a victim’s panel. These panels typically can be done online and consist of information related to DUIs as well as information related to lost loved ones, past drunk drivers, and others that have suffered from DUI charges. If this happens, the judge will require you to complete the panel and deliver the certificate before your case will officially be closed.
- Complete Your Probation
On top of everything else, a DUI also tends to lead to probation as well. Most first-offender probations are roughly one year long. In this time, you can not drink at bars, travel out of state without permission, or do other things you would normally be able to do on your own. If the probation is unsupervised, you will not need to take drug or alcohol tests or ask for permission to travel but will need to still run moving out of state by the state if that is something necessary.
- Your Insurance Premium Will Increase
Even after everything, you will still see the negative effects of your actions, such as an increase in your insurance payment cost. This will be difficult to deal with but will also slowly let up as the years go by, and no additional charges are added to your driving record.
- Jobs Associated With Driving Will no Longer be an Option
Lastly, any jobs associated with driving will no longer be an option for you as your DUI will exclude you. If the position requires a driving record, you more than likely will not be eligible and should move onto the next option. In our current job climate, limiting your job options can be frustrating but, with a good attorney on your side, you can likely have your charges lightened making your repercussions far less stressful to deal with.
If you have been charged with a DUI and are looking for a DUI charges defense attorney in the Clay County area, we encourage you to give us a call today! We at Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux, P.A. know the process like the back of our hand and are determined to lighten your load one step at a time.