It can be a scary event facing DUI charges. If you’ve never had any problems with the law before, then you may feel unsure about what to expect. Many questions may cross your mind. Are you going to go to jail? Will it show up on your permanent record? Will your job be affected?
Since there will be so many questions that arise if you are arrested for a DUI, it’s helpful to know what to expect. Regardless of what state you are in, driving under the influence is illegal. Your charges will result in serious legal and financial consequences. Here are a few of them to anticipate.
You’ll Be Arrested
If an officer pulls you over for erratic driving and determines it’s a result of alcohol, you will be arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. The authorities will put you in a cop car and drive you to the nearest police station. They’ll take your mug shot and fingerprints, just like you see on television.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be released immediately if someone pays your bail and offers you a ride. Otherwise, you can expect to stay for at least a few hours to overnight, depending on how disorderly you are.
You’ll Have To Go To Court
Following the incident, you will be delivered a summons to appear in court to face your charges. It’s vital that you have a good lawyer on your team if you’re planning on denying the charges.
Make sure that you have a good reason for denying the charges. Otherwise, you could be humiliated in court if the officers present solid proof of your inebriation.
Loss Of Driving Privileges
Regardless of where you are charged for a DUI in the United States, you will lose driving privileges for a while. In the event that you refused to take a sobriety test during your arrest, your license will be suspended immediately.
Fines
If found convicted, you will have to pay a hefty fine. Depending on the severity of the circumstances, you may be required to cover any damages that you incurred during the incident. If anything was damaged or your endangered the lives of other passengers, you will have to pay whatever costs the court decides you owe.
Increased Insurance
After being convicted of drunk driving, your insurance company will see you as a liability. As a result, your insurance company will increase your premium. You’ll have to pay an increased rate for at least several years.
In some cases, you may be required to install an interlock device on your car in order to be able to drive. If you don’t pass the test, your vehicle won’t start.
