After a night out with your friends, you might have mistakenly thought that a few glasses of water were all you needed to refresh yourself for a drive home. Or, possibly, you started on a new medication and underestimated how badly it could affect you. Either way, you got pulled over, and regardless of intentions, there are consequences.
Call a Ride
Some DUI arrests involve being taken to jail, but sometimes the officer citing you will let you go without even cuffing you. In either case, it is important to not get back behind the wheel of your vehicle before you sober up. Call a friend to drive your car home for you or, if your car is parked somewhere safe, a ride-share service for a pickup.
Go to Court
The citation will come with a court date. If you were at fault and don’t want to contest the charges, you probably do not need an attorney. However, if you feel you were falsely charged or your indiscretion resulted in more dire consequences than arrest, you should seek legal aid.
Do the Time
If you’re a first-time offender, punishment will probably be light, but will still require you to be proactive. You will probably have to pay a fine and attend court-mandated classes. Taking a DUI education program online may be helpful if your license was suspended. If you’ve had a DUI before you might have your license revoked or have to go to jail, depending on your charges.
Try Again
When a license is suspended or revoked, it’s for a set amount of time, after which you can either get right back on the road or reapply for a license. You will likely have to fill out paperwork, such as an SR-22 form, and inform your auto insurance of the situation.
Rules vary from state to state. It is important to follow them closely to ensure you get back on the road as soon as possible.