Introduction
Traffic laws are stringent in some places and non-existent in some. If you live in a city, chances are you go to pubs, drink alcohol, and drive. Survey find that each day 29 people die alcohol-related accidents worldwide. Since the losses to property and human resources are significant, laws take DUIs seriously.
So, if you are facing DUI charges and you don’t know what to expect, the first-place people go is online. So, what happens when you get a DUI? First, mentally prepare yourself to be arrested.
1.Prepare for an Arrest
When an alcohol-related accident due to drinking and driving comes to light, the person is charged with a DUI. So, the first thing that happens is a police arrest and they take you to the nearest police station. You have to appear for a mug shot and then your fingerprints. Further, depending on which state you belong to, they may release you immediately if someone pays for the bail. In many other states, they won’t release you until you are sober and you have to stay in jail, under custody.
2.Appearance in Court
The next thing that immediately follows this is an appearance in the court. Because this criminal offense is not clear just through DUI and actual damages remain, the person appears in court. A court summon arrives that legally abides you to appear on the specified date and time. Here you will face your charges for driving under influence, and other associated charges if necessary.
But, if you deny the charges or plead not guilty, then you have to hire a lawyer and fight for your case. Then, evidence of police car dashboard video footage, sobriety tests, etc comes into place.
3.You will Lose Your Driving License
The third thing that will happen for sure is taking away your license. Of course, the matter of DUI varies from state to state but, if there are DUI charges against you, this is what you must expect at least. Because your driver’s license goes for a certain period of time, and not indefinitely, you have a chance to drive again. In some states, there may be an exceptional case where they allow you to drive to school or work while the suspension is in effect, and not for any other cause. Driving privileges do not exist anymore.
Further, this comes at a price. For example, if you refuse to go for a blood or breathalyzer test then you can lose your license immediately. This is because your license was under suspension already and you still broke the law.
4.Paying a Fine Is the Least Penalty to Pay
For a very minor offense or DUI and almost no damages, police can still ask you to pay a fine. So, if you get a DUI, then a fine is a must thing to expect, if not an arrest. Because every state has laws in place that mandate paying a fine as a part of a drunken driving offense, you cannot escape it.
These fines may be stricter and higher in some states while liberal in others. Further depending upon the circumstance of your arrest, a condition during the driving, any damages to property or life, the fines can be serious. Then, court costs, punishment for irresponsible driving is also going to take effect.
When you do not know much about DUI and the laws in your locality, it is always good to be on the safe side. For example, drinking and driving under influence is a life risk for pedestrians as well as the driver. Yes, you can always expect to find traffic lawyers in tweed heads to help you in case you are in trouble, but being responsible should come first.
5.What Is DUI?
As a common note, people refer to DUI as a crime of driving when under the influence of alcohol. But DUI is just an acronym for ‘Driving under the Influence’ because it does not necessarily mean alcohol. It can also be a mobile phone, talking, etc. For example, intoxication is also influenced by drugs. So, you don’t necessarily have to be drunk to get a DUI charge against you. The police can arrest and convict you for DUI even without a drunk driving scenario. So, ‘Under Influence’ is a broader term here, but most often means under the influence of alcohol.
Once the course appearance is over and you get your penalty, jail time, or other consequences, there are a few things you may have to do. Because it depends on the state and local laws, you must consult legal help if you’re facing DUI charges.
6.You Must Complete Your Probation
This is a possibility even if your sentence does not require you to go to jail. Other terms of probation are decided by the judge, and you have to comply. This includes payment, monthly fees, and also costs for legal works. You must abide because failing to do so can lead you to spend time in jail.
7.You Have to Attend Drunk Driving School
This is a mandate because you will undergo an alcohol evaluation through an alcohol education program. You may also need to report to a counselor. Then, in order to get your license back after a DUI arrest, and serving time, you have to complete the above program. People most commonly refer to it as ‘Drunk Driving School’.
8.Pay a Much Higher Automobile Insurance
Finally, a DUI conviction affects your insurance eligibility. You may need to acquire a special type of license and more before you can drive again. The insurance can be 3x than normal, in these cases.
Conclusion
Driving under the influence is a serious crime because it poses a risk of life. It is a bad remark for life on your conduct and career because this can pose serious risks of conviction and even jail time. Countries must include stricter laws but also treat every case separately, in context, and offer a fair trial.
