Everybody knows that getting a DUI is a bad thing. Not only does it have legal and financial implications, but it’s also a mark of shame. Here is a quick rundown of what you should expect if you ever end up getting a DUI.
- Arrested and Booked
Once arrested, you will be taken to the closest jail. There you will be booked and have your mugshot taken. Most states allow you to get released immediately if somebody bails you out. But, some require you to stay until you are fully sobered up.
- Court Appearance
During the arrest process, you will be given a court date. This means you will have the opportunity to show up in court and challenge your conviction. Many people find this to be a nuisance, but in reality, this is your last chance to prove your innocence.
Most police officers have a dashboard camera in their car. They will use this as evidence against you during your court appearance but only if you deny the charges. If you truly feel that you are innocent, or that the officer violated your rights in some way, be sure to have an attorney on hand to guide you through the case.
- Suspension of Your License
Every DUI comes with some kind of penalty to your driver’s license. Depending on how severe the case is, and how many DUIs’ you have, the suspension can range from one week to one year. This is a huge reason why you never want to get a DUI. Getting your license suspended can have drastic effects on your work, family, and social life.
- Monetary Penalties
The costs of getting a DUI can be staggering. First your car must be towed and stored. This process racks up a daily charge that can range from $100-$300 dollars per day. Then you will have to pay for your DUI classes, which we will talk about shortly, your attorney and any classes assigned to you by the judge.
In a fairly conservative scenario you can end up paying $5,000 for your DUI. This is not to mention any damage you may have caused while driving under the influence. This is another key reason why avoiding a breathalyzer test may be in your best interest.
5. Probation
If you managed to avoid jail time, then you will probably end up with a probation officer. You will have to meet your probation officer regularly and be subject to drug tests. During this time, any offense you commit will quickly land you in jail. Also, you will have to pay a monthly fee for your probation services.
- Drunk Driving Programs
Chances are the judge will offer you ways to reduce your sentence. You can do this by attending a drunk driving school or participate in alcohol evaluations. Both processes are humiliating and time consuming. But at the end of the day you did get caught doing something very dangerous, so it’s probably best that