You can get arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and face charges for a DUI offense in court. This could have some major consequences on your life. Charges range from mild to strict ones, and the offense can leave a bad impression on your permanent driving record. In case you do have to face DUI charges, it’s always good to be aware of every consequence and charge. To help, here’s a detailed guide about what to expect from the legal process of a DUI offense.

The Basics 

DUI stands for driving under the influence, and it is applicable to people who are arrested because of suspicious activity during driving while being under the influence of either alcohol or drugs to the extent that it makes the driving process unsafe. The whole process can be quite intimidating if it’s your first time, and it leaves a permanent mark on your record. All drivers should spend time understanding what an extreme DUI is in Arizona and in other states, so they know the consequences!

DUI Arrest 

If you’re arrested on a DUI charge, officers would need to have solid proof of suspicious or law-breaking activity from your side while you’re driving. For example, if they see you run a red light and notice alcoholic containers or drugged behavior, they will have sufficient proof to arrest you. After arresting you, you’ll be taken to a police station where your records will be taken, i.e., your photograph and fingerprints will be uploaded onto the crime system. 

The rule for bail is different for every state; in some states, you’re allowed to go home right after someone has paid your bail, while in others, jail time is mandatory for DUI offenses. 

Court Appearance 

You’ll have to appear in court to face the charges according to your state for the DUI offense. After you’re arrested, you’ll be given a court date. The court appearance is going to determine the charges you get, and you’ll have to face criminal penalties for your DUI Offense based on your level of intoxication while driving. During the court appearance, you can either plead guilty or not guilty. Usually, the officers that arrested you have sufficient evidence to make the case, so try not to plead “not guilty” and face your charges without resistance. 

Consequences

1. Fines

If you are convicted of drunk driving, your sentence may include time, but it will surely include paying a fine, and the amount of the fine depends upon the nature of driving. If you were driving drunk and damaged someone's property or hit someone and injured them, then the fine increases. The fine also increases in case of drunk driving and endangering a child. In most states, you'll also have to pay the court costs for your case.

2. Losing Your License

In some states, losing your license over drunk driving is quite possible. Usually, in a couple of states, the license is suspended immediately, and all driving rights are revoked. However, in some places, the license isn't suspended, but driving privileges are taken away. Meaning you'll feel a lot of shame and guilt and will always rely on someone else to take you from one place to the other. It can also be suspended if you deny taking the blood test or breathalyzer. 

3. Probation

Probation is no better than jail itself. If you are convicted of drunk driving and aren't sent to jail, then you'll probably get a probation sentence. Jail time isn't a necessity according to every judge; therefore, some of them give a probation sentence. However, if you are unable to meet the probation terms, you'll be sent to jail for sure. It doesn't come without any strings, though, and is actually costly as you have to pay a monthly fee for looking after your own probation sentence.

4. Alcohol Evaluation

After such a conviction, it's not easy to get your driving privileges back. However, in almost all jurisdictions, there is a certain assessment for you before you get your driving privileges back. An expert counselor is going to ask a couple of questions from you, and depending upon your answers, he'll tell you if you have an alcohol use disorder or not. You can then attend a court-approved alcohol treatment program depending upon your assessment results.

5. Auto Insurance

After an alcohol conviction, things become pretty hard. Even your insurance will increase by a factor of 2 to 3 times. Special insurance will be given to you by the name of SR-22. Normally you've to carry this for approximately 3 years before getting back to normal insurance rates.

6. Ignition Interlocking Devices

Ignition interlocking devices make the driver undergo a certain mechanism before ignition of the vehicle. In certain states, these devices are installed even for first-time convicts, and the breath of the convict is checked before the ignition of the vehicle. These devices and their monthly fees are very costly.

DUI offenses can be serious, especially for first-timers; they can be a source of frustration, anxiety, and embarrassment. Court appearances can be quite daunting, and the charges and consequences of DUI offenses aren’t simple either. So, it’s best to be prepared in cases like these and be aware of as much information as you possibly can.