What To Expect After Being Pulled Over For Suspected DUI
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol is a serious problem in society, and law enforcement is cracking down on impaired drivers out on the road. Before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking prescription or illegal drugs, it is important to know what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about what can happen if you are pulled over for suspected DUI:
Arrest
If you're pulled over for suspected DUI, the law enforcement officers will likely ask you to complete a variety of field sobriety tests, as well as submit to a breathalyzer test. If you fail the field sobriety tests or the breathalyzer, the law enforcement officer will have reasonable evidence to place you under arrest. If this happens, you will be taken to the police station and processed.
Depending on the situation of your arrest, you may have to have someone post bail on your behalf to be released. However, in many cases, you will be released on your own recognizance, which means that no money needs to be paid to the court, but one of the terms of your release is to show up on your scheduled court date.
Drivers License Suspension
In many states, a person's license is suspended at the time of arrest. If a person is not convicted of DUI, he or she can get his or her license reinstated. But, if a person is convicted of DUI in court, his or her license may be suspended for a set amount of time or until all terms of his or her sentence has been fulfilled. At the time of your DUI arrest, make sure to find out if you live in a state that immediately suspends a drivers license-- the last thing you want to do while your case is pending is to operate an automobile on a suspended license.
Going to Court
If you have been arrested for suspected DUI, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced DUI attorney to represent you in court. Your initial appearance in court will be an arraignment, where you can plead guilty or not guilty, and request a jury trial if needed. It is essential to show up for all ordered court dates-- failure to do so can result in serious legal repercussions. In the event that you are convicted of DUI, your sentence may include fines, alcohol education classes, the need to install an interlock device in your vehicle when your license is reinstated, and jail time.
Visit a site like http://dlplawyers.com/ for more help.
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