{"id":1430,"date":"2022-06-14T23:02:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-14T23:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1430"},"modified":"2023-09-21T22:33:28","modified_gmt":"2023-09-21T22:33:28","slug":"i-got-a-dui-now-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/high-risk-auto-insurance\/i-got-a-dui-now-what\/","title":{"rendered":"I Got a DUI \u2013 Now What?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Remain calm. Getting a DUI<\/a> (driving under the influence) citation can be a scary and anxiety-filled experience. If possible, you should follow the officer\u2019s directions and stay polite. Making a decision to drive while legally under the influence means that if you are caught, you will most likely go to jail. If you are convicted, you will most likely be looking for DUI car insurance<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Nearly 32 people in the U.S. die every day in a DUI-related accident. It\u2019s easy to see why penalties for drunk driving are becoming steeper. Currently, all 50 states enforce a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08. If a driver is found to have a BAC of 0.08 or greater, he or she will likely face a DUI arrest and eventually be charged with a DUI offense. Here is a general breakdown of the DUI process after an arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a police officer feels like you are driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, he or she will most likely place you under arrest. You\u2019ll be taken to jail. Your vehicle will be towed to an impound lot. Your driver\u2019s license may be confiscated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once at the jail, your personal possessions, such as any money, wallet, phone, will be taken from you. You\u2019ll be fingerprinted and photographed. You\u2019ll be placed in a space that is reserved for people picked up for some infraction that night. You may have heard of this space being called the \u201cdrunk tank.\u201d There is limited seating and a toilet in the corner. It\u2019s not a nice place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, you may be able to leave that night if someone comes to \u201cbail you out\u201d and drive you home. In other cases, you may spend the night and be released under your own \u201cpersonal recognizance bond.\u201d This PR Bond doesn\u2019t cost any money, but it\u2019s a promise that you make to appear in court. If you do not appear as promised, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be released under a cash or surety bond, which will require some cold hard cash then and there. Don\u2019t forget to get your car from the impound lot \u2013 you already owe for the tow and storage fees are charged daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the time of your arrest, you will be notified of your first court hearing, or arraignment. During the first court appearance, a judge will read the DUI charges against you. You will be required to enter a plea, which can be guilty, not guilty or no contest. At this time, you can represent yourself, hire an attorney or enlist the free help of a public defender (a government-appointed lawyer who can assist those who cannot afford to hire a private lawyer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n A guilty plea will result in sentencing on the spot. Entering a no contest plea will result in either sentencing on the spot or setting another court date for sentencing. If you plan to challenge your DUI, you must plead not guilty. The judge will schedule your case for a trial. The best course of action truly depends on the circumstances surrounding your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf You Have a DUI Arrest, You\u2019ll Probably be Taken to Jail<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Bail After a DUI Arrest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DUI Court Proceedings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n