Have you ever wondered what happens when you get pulled over for a DUI? Learning about this process may cause you to hesitate before driving while impaired. According to NOLO, if you see police lights behind you, you should calmly and safely pull over. If the officer says you were pulled over due to suspicion of drunk driving, you can decline a field sobriety test.
If the officers believe they have enough evidence to back up their suspicion of driving under the influence, they will cuff you and take you to the police station. According to NOLO, you should not make statements or spoken responses to the police until your attorney arrives. If you have been accused of a felony DUI, you will need a felony lawyer.
You might wonder, “If you get a DUI do you go to jail?” According to All Law, not every DUI conviction results in jail time. However, there are some states where jail time is mandatory after a conviction for DUI. The same website reports that you are more likely to go to jail if your blood alcohol level is very high or if you have prior DUI convictions.
DUI charges are serious under any circumstances, and this is why you have to find the best DUI lawyers if you’re facing these charges. They can help you answer questions you may have, such as “Can you drive buzzed?” and “Can you still drive after a DUI?” The more that you know about your circumstances and the possible scenarios, the better the proceedings may be for you.
That’s why you must focus on gathering information on the topic, including attending DUI meetings if you’re instructed to do so. If you’ve been involved in a drunk motorcycle accident, you may be nursing injuries or be held liable to pay for injuries and damages you caused. That’s why it’s important to fully understand the law and the options that you have in this matter.
Remember that, whichever way things go, it’s best for you to never be involved in a similar incident in the future. If you end up in a situation where you have a drink, arrange for alternative means of getting around rather than driving yourself. This can save your life as well as the lives of other road users. It will also help you maintain your reputation as a safe driver, and who doesn’t want that?
Have you or someone you know been convicted of a DUI? Seeking out a criminal law attorney should be first on your priority list, as navigating the legal system is a difficult task that should not be embarked upon alone. From jail time to fees, there are many consequences that can be dealt depending on the nature of the crime and your personal history with the law. A criminal law attorney will assist in gathering evidence, contacting witnesses and ensuring your rights are protection. A little education is important to get you initiated on the issues you’re facing, so look below to learn more about drunk driving statistics and legalities in the state of Ohio.
What Is A DUI?
Short for ‘driving under the influence’, a DUI involves the combination of alcohol and a motor vehicle. Alcohol, particularly in significant amounts, causes drowsiness and impaired motor function that makes operating a vehicle precarious and dangerous for both the driver and others on the open road. Driving under the influence can also include over-the-counter medications and substances such as marijuana. According to the Ohio Department Of Public Safety, over 44,000 people in Ohio have five or more OVI convictions.
What Is A BAC?
BAC is short for ‘blood alcohol content’, referring to the amount of alcohol currently present in your system at the time of arrest. The BAC limit in state DUI laws varies depending on the state and need to be kept in mind. Ohio, for example, has a BAC limit of .02% if you’re under the age of 21. Ongoing surveys have shown over one million people in Ohio — amounting to one in every seven licensed drivers — having had at least one driving experience under the influence of alcohol.
What Happens If I Am Arrested?
An important detail to remember is that the police must have probable cause to pull you over. This can include, but is not limited to — swerving, running a red light or witnesses observing reckless behavior. A blood alcohol content test will be conducted to ensure you have an excess amount of alcohol in your system, though these results can be challenged if you feel they are inaccurate. Your criminal law attorney will contact witnesses, analyze any potential videos and help you reach an accurate and just conclusion.
How Does A DUI Affect Me?
You will have to go through blood tests, urine tests and breathalyzer tests if you’re suspected of a DUI. Should you be convicted a DUI will be placed on your record, affecting your future employment prospects and ability to take loans or apply for business opportunities. Your license may also be suspended, depending on your past criminal history and the nature of the DUI you were arrested for. This depends on the Administrative License Suspension hearing your criminal law attorney will have you go through. Repeat DUI offenders may have a car breathalyzer installed in their vehicle to discourage future reckless behavior.
Who Can Help Me?
A DUI conviction can result in jail time, ranging anywhere from three days to six months depending on your prior convictions and the nature of the crime. You may also have to pay a fine, which can range from $250 to $1,000 — a first-time offense will require a license reinstatement fee of $450. A plea bargain of ‘wet reckless’ can be applicable in certain cases, though this is not guaranteed. If you or someone you know has been arrested for a DUI, contact your Ohio criminal defense firm and ask for a DUI lawyer. An experienced Ohio criminal attorney will protect your rights and help you navigate the legal system to reach the appropriate action on the issues you’re facing.
