You have been accused of driving under the influence, at first you may be too intoxicated to fully understand what consequences may be coming your way. The first and most obvious thing to do after getting a DUI is to sober up. After that it is important to be persistent in trying to avoid being convicted of the DUI. Do not simply wait for the court system to tell you what to do; they typically don’t have your best interest in mind. To help ease the stress of a DUI here are helpful hints of what to do first:
Don’t admit to anything
Delay answering any questions from the police force until you have had a chance to sober up and to seek legal counsel. Other than the most basic questions do not attempt to answer questions like how much you have been drinking or admitting that you are intoxicated. If it was suspected of you to be intoxicated the sobriety test will prove this, you don’t need to talk about it. Don’t self-incriminate.
Post Bail
Be prepared for what will be required of you when attempting to post bail. This can be a financial challenge, in order to post bail you may need a co-signer and financial leverage such as a home or a car put down on the bail.
Seek Legal Counsel
Though a DUI lawyer can be expensive, being convicted of this crime and facing possible jail time and excessive fines will be a much worse consequence. Find a lawyer that you are comfortable with, and that has the experience to represent your case. Plan on the retainer fee being around $2500 for your legal representation, this number may be more or less depending on the different variables of your case.
Be prepared for the cost of you DUI
The national average of a DUI is $10,000. Think of the all the fines, fees, bail, insurance rates increases and the legal expenses that you will be paying. All of these expenses will need to be paid for all while you could be in jail missing work. Even after you post bail you may not have a job to return to.
Report to Court
This is extremely important, if you miss a court appearance it could mean your bail could be revoked, more fines and more jail time. Do not assume the court will understand any circumstances that made you late or miss your court appearance. If you see a possible conflict let your lawyer know immediately. For any court appearances be prepared, dress appropriately and arrive early.
Get your license back, keep insurance and keep registration up to date on your vehicles. Losing you license will complicate your life in multiple ways, be adamant about keeping it.
Always keep yourself informed; find out your states laws on DUI offenses. Also find out the different consequences depending upon what number offense it is. There can be different consequences depending on if it is the first DUI, of if you have had multiples. Once you have a DUI act fast in counteracting the consequences.
