Did you know that drunk driving costs the US about $132 billion every year? According to Bestonlinetrafficschool, in 2017, 11,000 people died from drunk driving crashes, with more than 200 being children.
Whatever way you look at it, drunk driving is no joke and has major implications on your finances and health. Unfortunately, sometimes attracting a DUI charge takes no more than three beers to take you over the legal alcohol limit. Fortunately, there are tons of ways you could sidestep a DUI conviction, even if you drive when above the legal alcohol limit.
Driving above the legal limit is dangerous and irresponsible. However, if you find yourself on the freeway feeling slightly buzzed, don’t worry too much about getting a DUI charge. The next step you take after your encounter with law enforcement will be crucial in helping you avoid it.
In today’s post, we’ll be looking at steps to take to help you avoid a DUI charge if you’re arrested for drunk driving.
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What Are the Consequences of My First DUI Charge?
Getting your first DUI can be scary for the most part, but you don’t have much to worry about; you’re not alone. Lots of people get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic. There are a couple of steps for DUI charges, but each state has its own drunk driving laws.
Any DUI charge starts with the cops pulling over, most likely because of your erratic driving or speeding. However, sometimes cops might pull you over for a standard traffic check. If the officer thinks you may be drunk, you’ll take a roadside sobriety test or a breathalyzer test.
Keep in mind that you have the right to refuse to take the test. But in most states, you’ll likely have your license suspended.
If you take the test and fail, now what? Your first DUI could probably lead to jail time, but this entirely depends on state laws and your cooperation with the officers.
It also depends on your level of intoxication, which often goes hand in hand with your level of cooperation. The officer may be lenient with you if it’s your first time, but only if the state allows it.
What to Do After a DUI
As mentioned above, the next few steps you take after the cops flag you down will play a huge part in determining your DUI outcome. If you get a DUI charge, here’s what you need to do for the best outcome.
Get Someone to Take You Home
Most counties allow someone to pick you up from jail on the same night as long as they pay bail and drive you home. If not, you’ll have to spend the night in jail until you sober up the next morning. The former is the best; that’s why you need to get a ride home.
If you get one, you won’t have to drive your car home and possibly get another DUI charge. You also won’t have to put anyone’s life at risk because of drunk driving. Whether you call someone to pick you up or get an Uber, anything goes, as long as you get home safe.
Take Note of Your Hearing Date
Getting out of jail doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. You still have to show up for the final verdict in court. As such, you need to take note of the hearing date so you can make adequate preparations.
Record the date the moment you get home so you can make proper preparations after sobering up. If the date conflicts with a workday, you’ll have to contact work and tell them about the situation. Also, call anyone else you need to to avoid conflicting appointments.
Get an Attorney for Your Case
While some might argue you don’t need a lawyer for DUI charges, this is far from the truth. Most judges find that a blood alcohol level beyond the legal limit is enough evidence to convict you. What’s more, courts are more stringent than ever, so sidestepping the repercussions of a DUI charge is harder.
To better your chances in court, you need to find competent legal representation, an experienced lawyer to help build the case for your innocence. A reputable DWI lawyer also helps you through the legal process to ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Here are a couple of scenarios where a lawyer will prove invaluable for your DWI case:
- If you intend to plead not guilty to the charges at hand
- If you believe that the breathalyzer was faulty or tampered with
- If the reason why you failed the sobriety test wasn’t inebriation
If your case fits the above criteria, you shouldn’t even second-guess hiring an attorney. Make sure you do your homework to find the best lawyer for the case. The more competent they are, the better your chance of avoiding a DUI charge and getting your license back.
Plan for Transportation
Once you find a qualified lawyer to handle your case, the next thing you need is to find transportation for your everyday activities. Remember, you won’t have a license, and driving without one will only worsen the situation. As such, you need to find transportation to take you to and from work, school, or even to court.
Alternatively, you can find someone who can drive you to and from places you need to be. If you’re lucky, the court can grant you a hardship or restricted license. This is a special license that allows you to drive to work and school only during the day.
Prep for Your Court Hearing
Your courtroom appearance preparations depend on how you plan to plead. If you plan to plead guilty, all you have to do is prepare the paperwork and look your best. If you plan to plead not guilty, you’ll have to do more than that.
Some of the not-guilty preparations include:
- Preparing your recollections of the incident
- Preparing testimonies from the people you were with
- Reviewing any previous traffic violations, if applicable
Preparing for your court hearing is much easier if you have an attorney to guide you through the process. They’ll help ensure you have everything you need for the hearing. The attorney will also give you valuable tips on how to breeze through the entire thing.
Find Out About SR-22 Insurance
Even if you have a suspended driving license, it’s still a good idea to start learning about SR-22 insurance. This insurance allows you to retain driving privileges, even if you have a suspended or revoked driving license. An SR-22 form or insurance is necessary if:
- The state suspends or revokes your license
- The state has convicted you with a DUI or DWI conviction
- You have gotten too many tickets in a brief period
- You drove without insurance and caused an accident
To get an SR-22 form, you first need to contact your insurance company. Keep in mind that not all insurance providers offer this type of insurance. If yours doesn’t, you need to find one that does, then notify them that you need the insurance.
Most insurance companies will need you to pay your insurance premiums upfront. Once you complete the payment, the insurance company will file the form with your state’s traffic authorities. Shop around to get the best deal on SR-22 insurance.
Importance Things to Know When You Get a DUI
Aside from following the above steps, there are a couple of things you should know about DUIs for the greatest effect. Here is what you need to know about being arrested for drunk driving.
Cooperation is everything. Always cooperate with the authorities to reduce the severity of the DUI violation. Even if you’re very drunk during your DUI arrest, ensure you do your best to cooperate.
The police will tow your car to the police station at your own expense. They will also get you to the station with their patrol car.
Also, most folks who end up with a DUI charge must complete community services or referral programs. The earlier you complete your community service, the quicker your sentence ends.
Lastly, your DUI offense will probably stay on record for a couple of years. There is high chance potential employers will look at these records before hiring you. As such, it’s important to be upfront about your DUI charge during job interviews for the best results.
Relax and Do as You Should
It’s okay to be scared after your first DUI charge. But maintaining a cool head will keep you from exacerbating the situation.
The next time you get caught driving under the influence, the information above should help you avoid hefty repercussions. Just remember to hire a competent drunk driving attorney to help you with the legal process.
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