If you have recently been arrested for DUI, you may wonder what the legal process looks like or what will happen to your record. You may even fear a court date in the near future. If you’re insecure and anxious over your DUI, here is a general outline of what you should expect, and what steps you can take to help your case.
1. Arraignment
After you are released from jail, you will receive a letter notifying you of the court date and time for your arraignment. At this point, you have the choice to hire an attorney to assist you with your case. This court date is the time for you to plead guilty or not guilty: the prosecutor of your case may also attempt to make a deal, although it is up to you and your attorney to make a decision regarding the deal. At this point, hiring a good DUI defense attorney in Camp Hill, PA is very essential.
2. License Suspension
In most cases, the officer arresting you for a DUI will take your plastic license and provide you with a paper substitute that lasts until your hearing. However, if you refused to take a breathalyzer test during the arrest, your license will automatically be suspended, no matter how your case goes.
If you refuse a test, your blood alcohol level is higher than .08, or if you lose your plea, you will lose the right to drive. The duration of time that your license is suspended depends upon the severity of the crime, but you can generally expect to be without a car for about a year after completing a rehabilitation course.
In some cases, you can fight license suspension within 15 days of your arrest by requesting a hearing, or you can apply for an occupational or hardship license if your survival is dependent upon driving.
3. Fines and Penalties
Fines associated with DUIs can fall anywhere between $100 to $2000, although the cost is related to the severity of the charge. In addition to fines imposed by the court, you will also have to consider fines related to your attorney, the cost of bail, raised insurance rates on your car, and the added cost of transportation after you are unable to drive. Getting a good attorney is advisable if you want the best possible situation for your payment since they will be able to work out deals and present evidence that may lower or eliminate your fees.
Penalties range from community service to having a tracker device installed into your vehicle when you are allowed to drive again. In addition, if you are found guilty of the charge, you will likely be required to complete some sort of course designed to rehabilitate or teach you the severity of driving under the influence before you can receive another license.
4. Your Record
In addition to fees, losing your license, and a variety of penalties, a DUI charge will likely stay on your record for a while. This can range from five years to life, depending on the state. This tag on your record can make it difficult to find a job, get loans, or raise your insurance rates. However, in many cases, most people cannot access your driving record unless they can prove they require the information. For example, if you’re trying to get a job as a truck driver, then a DUI on your record will prevent you from getting that job.
5. What to Do Next?
Now that you’ve seen the basic process and headaches associated with a DUI, you may be wondering what your options are for the future. If you plan to plead not guilty, you should look into a good attorney to handle your case. DUI cases require technical background and skills that you likely do not possess, so finding a professional with your best interests in mind is the best way to either win your case or have your punishments decreased dramatically.
