Arrested For Driving Under the Influence (2)

Going out and having a few drinks with friends is something most people do on a regular basis. While there is nothing wrong with having a few adult beverages, there is something wrong with getting behind the wheel of your car once you have consumed alcohol. A recent study found that nearly 4 million adults in the United States admit to driving while under the influence of alcohol at least once in the past years.

Not only does driving under the influence put you in danger, it puts the motorists around you in a great deal of peril as well. Being arrested for driving while intoxicated can create a lot of problems in your life for years to come.

Read below to find out more information on what to expect after being charged with a DUI.

#1. You Will Be Taken to Jail

Being handcuffed and put into the back of a police car can sober you up in a hurry. Once you have failed a breathalyzer or a field sobriety test, the officer administering the test will read you your rights and take you to jail. If you are arrested on a weekend, you may have to spend a few days in jail before you can be seen by a judge.

Once you have seen the judge, they will set a bail amount and a future court date. Being unable to pay this bail amount will result in you staying in jail until the assigned court date.

#2. Dealing With the Headache of Having Your Drivers License Suspended

Having a drivers license is something most people take for granted. You will learn just how important this license is when it is suspended as a result of your DUI. You will probably receive a temporary license to operate your vehicle until going before the judge. The amount of time your license is suspended will depend heavily on the state you live in.

There are times when the judge will issue a person a restricted drivers license. These licenses will provide you with driving privileges at certain times of the day. Usually, these licenses are given to people who have to get back and forth to work. If you are caught driving outside of the allotted times set by the court, you run the risk of getting thrown back into jail.

#3. The Judge May Require You To Have an Ignition Interlock System Installed

Some states require repeat DUI offenders to have an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle. In essence, this system requires the driver to take a breathalyzer before their car will start. If you fail this test, your vehicle will not start and law enforcement may be notified. The amount of time you have to use this device on your vehicle will depend on the charges you face.

#4. A DUI Charge Will Cost You Lots of Money

One of the main things most people are surprised to learn about a DUI charge is how expensive it can be. Not only will you have to pay fines and fees to the state after a DUI conviction, but the cost of your car insurance will skyrocket as well.

In some cases, you may be required to get an SR-22 insurance policy. These policies are very expensive and, in some instances, hard to obtain. Rather than going through the headaches that come with a DUI charge, you should do everything you can to avoid driving while intoxicated.

Don’t Take on This Difficult Process Alone

When charged with a DUI, the first call you need to make is to a legal professional. With the help of an experienced DUI lawyer, you can avoid making crucial mistakes throughout this difficult process.