What to Expect from a First Time DUI

No one ever wakes up in the morning and decides they are going to drive home under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. However, it happens a thousand times every day. Most people mistakenly feel they are still at their fullest mental capacity after drinking alcohol. Others simply hope they will make it home without being caught. But, if your luck should run out, and you get pulled over by those flashing red and blue lights, you should know what to expect from a first time DUI.

Initial Arrest, Overnight in Jail

If a police officer pulls you over, you will be arrested for driving under the influence. You will also be staying in jail, possibly overnight, as a guest of your local law enforcement agency, even if you have no dui history. You will be given time to sleep it off. However, you will also lose your car. At the time, you might not care. However, your car will also be a guest of the city or county and the car’s night in the impound lot will not be free. You car will be impounded, and you will have to pay whatever fees are applicable, to spring your wheels. It is important to have DUI lawyers help you before things spiral out of reasonable control.

DMV Hearing Regarding Drivers License

Within 10 days of the date of your arrest you must request an administrative hearing with the Department of Revenue to determine what is to be done with your license. The laws differ from state to state. However, you could lose your license, because you did not hail a cab or appoint a designated driver. If you want to fight the charges and try to save your driving privileges , you will need to hire a dui lawyer prior to this hearing.

Initial Court Date

Of course, you will have to appear in court. The judge will hear both sides of the story. You will have "your day in court". However, the arresting officer will also testify, the results of any testing will be presented, and the dash cam evidence will speak for itself, if necessary. The process is pretty cut and dried.

If Found Guilty of First DUI: Sentencing

If you have been found guilty of driving drunk, and your state this incident isn’t the first time you have been convicted of DUI, you could see some significant jail time. You might have your license revoked for an extended period-or permanently as well. However, unless you have cause injury or death to someone else because of your actions, the first offense punishment is generally geared to make sure you do not come back before the court which includes the following:

• DUI School
• Fines
• Jail/Community Service

Because of driving drunk, you may have to attend classes that explain how easy it is to become inebriated enough to be unsafe on the road, what could happen, and how you actually drive, and the legal consequences. You will probably have to pay fines. In addition, you will have some hours of community service-work you do free. You will give back to the community for what you have taken away.

More Consequences of a DUI Conviction

After you have been convicted of a DUI, it can be extremely difficult to find insurance that you can afford. In addition, you will have to get SR-22 insurance specifically for DUI and DWI drivers. Finding a good job may be a problem. If you are required to drive, for any reason, your potential employer will likely hire someone else that presents less of a liability risk. In addition, as of July 1, 2008, if your blood alcohol content, measured by the breath test machine is equal to or greater than .15, in addition to your driving privilege suspension, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your automobile as well as a one year of longer impoundment of your vehicle. In short, the court will have zero tolerance if your re-offend and the consequences will be much harsher than ever before.

Getting Legal Representation for 1st DUI

In conclusion, if you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to know what to expect from a first time DUI. The consequences of your actions can affect your mobility, job opportunities, and more for years to come. You need to get legal help to discuss your options and clarify your legal obligations.

• This article is provided for informational purposes only. If you need help with a DUI charge, please click here to talk to Mark Hagen, or a DUI Lawyer serving your area.