Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol β commonly referred to as DUI β is a very serious offense, and a DUI arrest can have a substantial effect on many aspects oneβs life; operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol should be avoided at all costs.
DUI Arrest: Impounding of Vehicle
If one is suspected β or convicted β of driving under the influence, they will be arrested and their vehicle will be impounded; a release fee will be required to reclaim the impounded vehicle.
DUI Arrest: Arrest and Processing
If a police officer suspects an individual of a DUI, a sobriety test is administered. Unless the individual proves their sobriety, they will be arrested;
Upon refusal to participate in a sobriety test, the individual will be arrested
Upon failure of the sobriety test, the individual will be arrested
Upon arrest, an individual may be required to remain in a holding cell until the completion of processing of the DUI charge in question
DUI Arrest: Court Appearance
DUI arrests result in a mandatory court appearance; a DUI attorney can assist an individual regardless of guilt or innocence;
In the event of a non-guilty plea, a DUI attorney can arrange for expert witnesses and/or analysis of the validity of the sobriety test
In the event of a guilty plea, a DUI attorney can arrange a plea bargain arrangement with the hopes of lessening the severity of the sentence
DUI Arrest: Loss of License and Insurance Surcharges
Regardless of plea, if an individual is found guilty of a DUI, the sentencing results in a mandatory loss of license as well as oneβs insurance company raising rates or even dropping the individual from coverage. Both the amounts of time of the revocation of a license, as well as the increase in insurance rates, vary from state to state.
DUI Arrest: Punitive Recourse
In addition to a loss of license and rate increase β or termination β with regard to automotive insurance, based on the frequency and severity of the DUI, sentencing can also include jail time, fines, community service, and court-mandated participation in substance abuse programs.