The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that around 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher. Every day, it’s estimated that about 37 people in America die due to drunk-driving car crashes.
Being charged with a DUI can change your life forever. Bonita Springs DUI Lawyer Mike Hopkins says that you’ll likely have to deal with severe penalties like license suspension or revocation, imprisonment, or a second-degree felony if you caused someone’s death.
Let’s look at what happens after a DUI arrest:
The Arrest and Booking Process
In case of a DUI offense, the arrest and booking process commences almost instantly just after a pullover. You’ll most probably be asked to step outside of your vehicle by the officer and perform field sobriety tests.
Upon DUI conviction, you will be cuffed and read your Miranda rights. The arresting officer will transport you to jail, take your fingerprints, and take a mugshot, depending on state drunk driving regulations.
A breathalyzer test will be initiated or blood can be drawn for testing to ascertain the alcohol content present in your blood. Either you will sit in jail until bail is posted or you will be released on your recognizance. The process may be somewhat overwhelming for some people, but knowing what to expect will help.
Understanding Your Charges
Since a DUI arrest can result in catastrophic legal issues, it is important to understand what these incidents might entail. Typically, the accusation refers to drunk driving, but different circumstances could arise. The prosecution will consider your BAC and see if you are a first-time offender or if you caused serious injury.
You will be asked to pay fines, your license can be suspended or you may be jailed. Criminal defense attorney Joseph Gibbons says subsequent DUI arrests will result in harsher punishments and longer jail sentences. You can also be charged with a misdemeanor or felony.
Even if you’re a first-time offender, you could face up to three years of probation or possibly have your license revoked for at least six months. Understanding these penalties will help you prepare for the next stages.
The Arraignment: What to Expect
Arraignment is one of the initial stages in a court case after getting arrested for a DUI; here is where you hear everyone formally hearing charges against you.
Upon being arraigned in court and requested to plead to whatever the charges may be, the accused shall be required to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest. You can consult your attorney in case of any such confusion or uncertainty.
The court might go over a few bail options, and after being released, a date will be set for your case to continue in court.
Every detail of the arraignment should receive full attention because it could set the foundation for the rest of the case.
Consequences for Your Driving Privileges
Now, let’s look at how a DUI arrest can impact your driving privileges. At the initiative of the state where you are charged, immediate suspension might take place, lasting for a few months or several years. The suspension could even occur following your arrest and well before your court date.
You may qualify for a temporary license to drive to work or medical appointments. Such an application would most likely require the completion of a DUI school or installation of an ignition interlock.
Failure to address these consequences immediately can bring more penalty upon you; therefore, information must be at hand to be acted upon when there’s a demand.
Preparing for Court Appearances
If you were arrested for a DUI, you must be ready for court. Know your charges and penalties. Gather all necessary documents, including an arrest record and other proof, immediately.
It’s always best to have a DUI attorney for such case because your chances of success increase with their expertise.
Write a few paragraphs describing what the judge must hear in your favor. Show the judge and others respect and decency. Be professional—dress well. Create extra time to get used to the courtroom and avoid the stress of attempting to come up with a defense.
Get used to the idea of accepting or declining a plea status or court date. You will feel better about your court appearance when you are organized and aware.