What To Do If You Get a DUI

One bad decision after drinking or using drugs may endanger your life as well as the lives of others. Driving a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is illegal for good reason. No one wants to be involved in an accident, especially if they are the catalyst.

Upon arrest, you will face DUI charges, with a conviction resulting in suspension of your driver’s license, jail time, and hefty fines. Depending on the underlying circumstances, you may also have an ignition interlock device installed at all times when driving, do hours of community service, or have your license fully revoked. 

The good news is that getting arrested, charged, or convicted with a DUI is not the end of the road. You can still do so much to bounce back from a DUI arrest or conviction. Here are five things you should do if you get a DUI.

1. Do Not Argue with the Police Officer

Alcohol or any illegal drug can have a serious effect on your brain and behavior. It changes your thinking, perception, judgment, movement, and mood. 

However, you must comply if a police officer pulls you over for suspicion of driving under the influence. Even if you are excessively drunk, you should try to follow the officer’s instructions, and under no circumstances should you quarrel with the police officer. After all, you have more to lose than gain from any disagreement.

2. Contact The Towing Company

A law enforcement officer will transport you to the police precinct in a patrol car after a DUI arrest. The officer will also arrange for the towing of your car at your expense. Additionally, the officer will share with you information on which firm towed your vehicle and how to collect it. 

It is important to reach out to the towing company and make arrangements to pick up your vehicle as soon as possible. Doing so will help you pay towing fees on time and avoid additional costs.

3. Hire an Attorney 

You will almost certainly have to appear in court to answer the charge when charged with a DUI. Upon conviction, a DUI may affect many aspects of your life, including your license, job, and home life.

Luckily, hiring a skilled lawyer can help. But not just a general practitioner. Instead, you need an DUI attorney to expose the weaknesses of the prosecution’s case and fight to protect your right to drive. 

4. Pay All Fines in Full

Participating in community service is one of the possible consequences of being arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Completing such programs and paying all fines as required will allow the court to record that you have completed your sentence and avoid further legal implications.

5. Be Truthful About Your DUI Charge

A DUI conviction will most likely remain on your record for several years, if not forever. According to Attorney Teresa DiNardi of Ruane Attorneys at Law, LLC, “a DUI conviction in most states will stay on your driving record for three to five years. In Connecticut, a conviction can stay on one’s record for us to 10 years.” These records will be available to potential employers before they hire you. 

When looking for a new job in the future, be open and honest about your DUI conviction. It is preferable to clarify the problem in advance than to seem to be concealing it.