What Happens If I Get a DUI?

The process for alcohol-based driving offenses can vary depending on your state, but the impact on your life will be similar. If you are caught with a blood alcohol content level at or above the legal limit in your state, you are at risk of a DUI conviction and the corresponding penalties.

Here’s a step-by-step process of what may happen during a traffic stop for suspicion of DUI:

1. Law enforcement steps in: If your driving behavior draws concern from other motorists, or patrolling officers, you may find yourself pulled over. In other scenarios, there may be a DUI checkpoint set up by law enforcement specifically to deter drunk driving. In both scenarios, you will be stopped and questioned by law enforcement.
2. A breathalyzer or BAC test is requested: If law enforcement believe you may be intoxicated, they will request you submit to a breathalyzer test. The breathalyzer test is used to measure BrAC, from which BAC can be extrapolated. The officers may also take a blood alcohol content test, which requires a sample of blood, saliva, or urine.
3. You will be taken to the police station: Unless you were injured and need medical treatment, you will likely be escorted to the police station following a DUI arrest. If you need medical assistance, you will be taken to a hospital. It is likely your vehicle will be towed or impounded as well.
4. Your driver’s license will be taken: In most states, your driver’s license will be taken after a DUI arrest, and you may be issued a temporary permit.
5. You have a limited time to request a hearing: In most states, the department overseeing motor vehicles will require you to request a hearing within a certain time frame, often 10 days or similar.

Often, the few days following a DUI are tense and stressful, particularly for first-time offenders. What will happen next varies by state, but it’s always best to start researching penalties and your options as soon as you can.

What Should I Do After a DUI Arrest?

If you have recently been arrested for DUI and are now at home going over your options, these tips are for you. As you take stock of what is next for you and work towards getting your driving privileges back, here are some tasks you might want to take care of.

1. Finding a DUI attorney: It’s not required to have an attorney represent you at your hearing, but it is your right. An attorney can walk you through the process, and will represent your interests in court. Intoxalock partners with several experienced DUI attorneys throughout the country if you are in need of legal assistance. Many attorneys specialize in DUI cases or have a great deal of experience with them, which can be helpful in court.
2. Taking care of penalties and requirements: Following your hearing, you may have a list of requirements depending on the laws of your states. You may be required to get an alcohol abuse assessment, pay fines, spend time in jail, perform community service, and complete other penalties and tasks as assigned.
3. Obtain an SR-22 insurance certificate: An SR-22 certificate proves that you have the minimum liability insurance required by the state. It’s often required to get this certificate following a DUI conviction. Insurance companies can place drivers into a high-risk category, and charge higher rates, after a DUI incident. Intoxalock works closely with Breathe Easy, an insurance broker that provides affordable SR-22 coverage.
4. Install an ignition interlock device: Many states mandate IID installation, even for first-time offenders. The devices are sometimes called car breathalyzers, and they require drivers to test their Breath Alcohol Content and pass before they can start their car. Interlocks provide a way to get back on the road, safely and responsibly. Intoxalock is an approved provider in 47 states, and our state specialists can walk you through the process and help you set up an appointment for same-day installation.

The process of regaining your driver’s license and resuming your normal life is a challenge after a DUI, and Intoxalock is here to help. Contact us at 833-623-0200. to get started today.