In most cases, when you get involved in drunk driving, you’re likely to undergo a police search. Your car is also at risk of getting towed, and you may end up in jail.
Sometimes, you can get out of jail within a short time after the arrest. To secure your release, you may need to post bail or by your recognizance. If not successful, then you can request for a release from the judge at the first hearing.
Once in jail, you should request to immediately make a phone call to your drunk-driving attorney to guide you in the entire process. If you don’t have direct contact with the attorney, you can ask your family or friends to help you find one.
Besides guiding you, the attorney will also help you find bail bonds in your area and relevant DMV hearings. The arrest would come with many penalties such as the suspension of driver’s license, civil lawsuits, and criminal penalties if you caused any injuries while drunk driving.
Must I Take A Field Sobriety Test When Pulled Over As A Suspected Drunk Driver?
Two things happen when you are on drunk-driving suspicion. The first thing is that the police will try to give you a field sobriety test, and the second thing is that you’ll take a breathalyzer test.
The two tests help in determining your BAC concentration. There are consent laws in most states stating that you already have the consent to the tests since you own a driver’s license or have the privilege to drive on the road.
You can politely decline to take the sobriety test and request that you would first want to consult with your attorney. In most cases, the refusal can cost you arrest and jail. The police will have to conduct a chemical test under jail by testing your blood, urine, or breath.
Some drivers decline the test and choose to test while in jail, thinking that the alcohol would have metabolized in the bloodstream. At this point, the driver will have a low BAC. There would be a big difference between the quantities of alcohol in your bloodstream, how long the arrest takes, and other considerations related to the incident.
In some circumstances, you may have a higher BAC while in jail, depending on the arrest state of affairs. Also, refusing to take a field sobriety test could attract penalties, including the loss of your driver’s license. The penalty can last for months, and you are likely to attract a separate test refusal offense.
Should you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t hesitate to contact your drunk-driving attorney immediately. The attorney will help you get the best options to manage the case.
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What Penalties Attract A Drunken Driving Conviction In Case Of Injuries Or Death?
The penalties depend on the state where the incidence occurred. Many states elevate the charges to a felony, which attracts harsh penalties and imprisonment. In case there are fatalities, you get a felony of vehicular manslaughter charges, which means that you might spend your whole life in prison.
How Will A Lawyer Help Me In The Drunk-Driving Defense Case?
Drunk driving conviction attracts severe fines and penalties. Such penalties include suspended license, incarceration, and probation for a DUI. It’s crucial to engage a drunk driving lawyer to handle the case for you.
Contact a Skilled Drunk Driving Lawyer Today
It’s not easy for a driver to handle the drunk driving case, especially with zero legal knowledge. The journey can be frustrating, and one can quickly lose hope in the long run. It’s crucial to hire an experienced attorney to address your legal needs within the shortest time possible.
