Out of State DUI Charge

An out of state dui charge is more common than most individuals realize.  In fact, most dui state laws specifically address how to handle dui cases from non-residents.  Under the Interstate Compact, each state agrees to handle the oversight of individuals on probation and parole from other states, which is an important part of dealing with out of state dui charges.  Having an attorney in jurisdiction of your arrest is also helpful, given the differences in some dui state laws and the protocol in their local criminal courts.

Dealing With a Out of State DUI

Depending on the specifics of your case, most dui arrests are arraigned the following day.  This means that a future court date is set for your case, and you are released on bail or bond.  If bail or bond funds are not available, then you must wait until your trial date or work to be released on your own recognizance. 

• Following the arraignment and bond hearing, the courts will discuss with you the terms of your bond, which most likely will allow you to return home.  Using an attorney can most likely prevent an individual from returning to the state of their arrest, unless they wish to contest the charges further. 
• In any case, arrests for dui often result in probation periods for first time offenders. After reaching a plea agreement with a local prosecutor, you must register for probation as part of your sentence. 
• This probation will take place in your hometown, but needs to be approved by the probation offices in the jurisdiction of your arrest.  A probation officer from your local jurisdiction will then be assigned the case, where you will learn more about meeting the terms of your probation from your new probation officer.

Lawyer Help for Out of State DUI Arrests

Dealing with the dui arrest itself will require an attorney from the jurisdiction of the arrest.  However, that attorney can also arrange with local probation offices to transfer your probation to another jurisdiction under the drivers license compact, or interstate compact.  Under the drivers license compact, a nationwide reporting of your dui conviction is noted, as well as the status of your driving privileges. This means that the dmv out of state is notified of your license status, but also, this information is forwarded to your home state’s dmv by the dmv out of state.  Having attorney arrange all of these transfers, especially the probation status transfer, is essential to avoiding violating the terms of your probation, as well as ensuring successful completion of probation terms in your home state.