If you were recently arrested for a DUI, you need to understand the importance of what you face. There are certain steps you have to take after your arrest to ensure you have a possibility of a good outcome. Some basic mistakes can cost you dearly. Here are some things you need to do during a DUI arrest and afterward.
Keep Your Mouth Closed
You may feel the need to explain to the officer why you are driving in your current state. When you are asked questions by law enforcement, try to avoid disclosing too many details. Anything you say can be used against you in court. You could potentially incriminate yourself. If you are arrested for DUI, try to avoid saying anything until your attorney is with you as you speak to law enforcement.
Take the Charges Seriously
Drunk driving is a serious crime no matter what state you are in. You cannot simply ignore your DUI charge. You will only get into more legal trouble. You can face major fines and jail time in addition to any sentence you may receive for your DUI charge.
Do Not Automatically Assume Guilt
While you can be arrested for a DUI, you should not automatically assume guilt. If you choose to plead guilty at your court hearing, you waive your right for the state to prove the DUI case and bring charges against you. It is always possible that the law enforcement officer made a mistake during your arrest that could get you out of a charge. If you plead guilty, you remove this possibility.
Get a Hardship License
Depending on your state and your circumstances, you may qualify for a hardship license. This is a license that you use to commute to certain places. In some cases, a driver's license is temporarily suspended after a DUI arrest. This is done for several reasons. For example, if you failed a chemical test or if you chose not to take one, you may be able to get a hardship license so that you can go to work, court, DUI classes, or anywhere else deemed necessary by the court. If you do not get a hardship license and you are eligible, you can face ramifications by missing work or not attending court-ordered classes. You also will have to spend money on public transportation or for a ride-sharing service. Depending on how long your license is suspended, this will add up quickly.
Speak with a DUI attorney for help navigating the court proceedings and defending yourself against a DUI charge.
Share16 December 2019
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