What Happens If I Am Arrested For DUI?

In most cases, after an arrest where you are charged with a DUI, you will be taken to jail. A bond may or may not be set at the time of your arrival to the jail. In most cases, you will have to wait until the next day or longer to be seen by the judge where he will explain the charges and set bail. At this time, if you can pay for your bail, you will be allowed to go home until the day of your court hearing. At the court hearing you will have to plead guilty or not guilty. At this time, the judge will determine if you are innocent or guilty of the charges according to the evidence presented, unless another court date can be set so your DUI attorney or Criminal Defense Attorney specializing in DUI's can have time to gather evidence and present your case to prove your innocence or lower your charges.

 If you are convicted of a DUI you may receive fines, probation, jail time, and community service according to state laws. States sometimes give lesser penalties for first time offenders and increase penalties for each offense after this.

 Other circumstances can also increase the severity of the penalties, such as if the driver was operating a commercial vehicle, if there was a child in the vehicle, if other charges were filed such as reckless driving, if an accident occurred because of the DUI, if a person was injured in the accident, if a death occurred due to the accident, and if the person was under the legal drinking age.

 All fines and penalties differ according to the items listed above and state laws. To learn your rights you need to talk with a qualified DUI attorney that will help prepare your case to either prove your innocence or lessen the charges.