Arrested for DUI? Here's what will happen
If you've been arrested for DUI in any state in the United States, fines, court appearances, and fees are just the beginning. A DUI can be bad for anyone because it takes a toll on people’s jobs, relationships, finances, social life, and mental health.
More so, if you're arrested on the charges of drunk driving, you might be searched by an officer, your automobile will get hauled, and you’ll be sent to jail; where you’ll be booked.
In certain situations, you might be released from jail, within a few hours of your arrest, either on your recognizance or by posting bail. If that isn't the case, then it's possible to ask the judge to release you at your first court earshot.
If You're Busted For A DUI: Here Is What Usually Happens?
A lot of people have misunderstandings about what to do when you get pulled over for DUI. It's vital to seek the advice of a skilled DUI lawyer for receiving a DUI and while going forward you'll know what happens if you get pulled by an officer for a DUI.
You'll Be Pulled Over
In most driving under the influence cases, officers pull the driver over because of signs of impairment - such as traffic violation: it might be something minor like a broken taillight or swerving. Generally, it's legal for a police officer to stop you; if there's a reasonable cause to — it's called reasonable suspicion — believe the driver violated the law.
Going forward, If the police have no sufficient cause to pull you over, later in your trial, you can bring a motion to suppress, which in turn can lead to the entire case being forgotten.
Officer Observations
Traffic confinements usually begin with the officer asking for your license and registration. The officer will likely take note when interacting with you; if you show signs of impairment - which includes things like the odor of alcohol or marijuana or unusual scrambling for your documents.
If the officer deduces such observations; it will show up in the police report, which you’ll typically see for the first time at your arraignment.
Questioning By The Police
During a DUI stop, police always ask the driver if they’ve had a drink. And in response, most drivers say something like - I just drank a can of beer, and this might usually be an understatement.
And you know what's worse. Officers hear that type of response countless times. The officer isn’t likely to stop there; especially if there are other signs that you’ve been using, drugs, or you're very drunk. After receiving confirmation that you’ve been drinking or have been using drugs, most cops are going to investigate further.
When Police Can Search Your Automobile
If the police have a reason to believe there’s incriminating evidence inside your car, they can search it without a warrant. If they smell things during your DUI stop, these might give them a reason to suspect you have drugs in your car.
More so, the officer might not only search the interior of your car, but also the trunk, glove box, and closed containers like backpacks. Another common reason for an automobile search is if the driver gives consent - the police can look inside your car if you authorize them to do so.
Roadside Tests.
If an officer suspects you of drunk driving they often seek to verify the suspicion using some roadside tests: (PAS) test (commonly called a breathalyzer), field sobriety tests (FSTs), and a “preliminary alcohol screening” Although, these pre-arrest tests are typically voluntary.
Field Sobriety Tests
There are lots of several FSTs that officers use, but the most common is three - standardized field sobriety tests are: one-leg stand, walk and turn, and horizontal gaze nystagmus.
PAS Tests.
A PAS device which is also called a portable breath test or PBT machine is a handheld device that officers use in measuring a motorist's breath alcohol concentration. Although PAS results aren't as reliable as breath or blood tests conducted at a hospital or police station.
But the benefit of these devices is that they provide officers with an easy and fast way to estimate a driver’s BAC. The basis of a PAS test is not to gather proof for court, but to assess if there’s a probable reason for a DUI detention.
Police Reports
A lot of people are interested in seeing the DUI police report, which depicts the officer’s words; what happened. In most states, the policy statement isn’t accessible until your first day in court
This happens because the report characterizes the case brought up against you, it’s an important method for agreeing on how best to handle your case. A skilled DUI attorney can specify the highs and lows of the state’s case by examining the police report.
Furthermore, other processes that happen if you're arrested for a DUI, include: mandatory chemical tests and implied consent, then arrest, detention, and release. If the police deduce there’s a purpose to arrest you for DUI, you’ll likely be cuffed and in turn, taken to a local police station.
