DUI Arrest
If you are like most people, being arrested and charged with driving under the influence is your first brush with the law. A DUI arrest can be stressful and quite traumatic. If convicted of drunk driving, you may be sentenced to jail time, probation, DUI School, fines, and a driver’s license suspension.After a DUI arrest, the police officer will bring the suspect down to the police stationing for processing, a situation known as “booking.” Your personal information will be entered into the system, including an account of the crime. During this time, the police will also run a background check to look for any outstanding warrants.
After booking, your fingerprints will be taken and you will be photographed. Before you are placed in a holding cell, you will be searched for weapons (by an officer of the same sex). After the officer ensures you are clean, you will be placed in a holding cell or a local jail.
Next is the bail process. Bail is a fee that is determined by a judge and must be paid before you may be released from jail. To determine the amount, the judge looks at the seriousness of your crime, your criminal history, and your ties to the community. When you pay your bail, you agree to appear for all scheduled court appearances, including arraignment, the preliminary hearing, pre-trial motions, and the trial. Failure to do so will lead to the forfeiture of your bail, and a bench warrant may be issued.
If you or your family cannot afford to post bail, you may contact a bail bondsman or bail agency to help you. A bond is a contract that says the total amount must be paid if you do not show up for court. It is for this reason that bail bondsmen and bail agencies will ask for collateral up front. They also charge fees for their services.
Do you have questions about your DUI arrest? If so, it is important to speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney. Being arrested for DUI does not necessarily mean you will be convicted, so let a skilled lawyer review your case today.
