Once you get a DUI charge, your life will be temporarily filled with uncertainty and confusion. If you’re not sure about what happens after getting a DUI charge and what sort of penalties you could face, this guide is for you. Keep reading to know more.
DUI - What is it?
DUI means driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The full form of DUI is Driving Under Influence and it is generally associated with drunk driving. There are some that get behind the driving wheel when they’re impaired by the overuse of prescription medications or illicit drugs. Although DUI is the most common term, there are other states that refer to this as DWI, DUII, OWI, or OUI.
Field Sobriety Test
If you get arrested for a DUI, you will be asked to participate in a field sobriety test. You will be asked to perform actions like balancing on one foot, walking along a straight line, or naming the alphabet backward. In case you’re severely impaired by drugs or alcohol, you won’t be able to perform these easy actions.
Getting arrested for DUI
A DUI arrest will have an instant negative effect, as there are several states that suspend the driver’s license and some others will still permit you to drive despite being charged with DUI. The severity of a DUI charge will heighten the amount of bail that you should pay in order to get out of jail. In case you can’t make bail, you will be confined until your hearing is scheduled.
Appear in court for a DUI charge
Whenever the case is taken to trial, you have to show up on time in order to answer the DUI charge. In case you fail to appear in front of the judge, this could lead to a bench warrant for the arrest. For changing the date of the court due to conflict, you have to file a motion for a continuance.
Ensure being represented by a lawyer when it is time to appear in court so that you’re well-versed with the state laws about DUI charges. In case you’re not able to afford the cost of legal representation, the court can even appoint a lawyer to handle the case.
Therefore, now that you know what a DUI case means and what happens when you’re charged with DUI, take the right steps to complete the case in a proper manner.
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