Important information on What to do After a DUI Arrest

Driving under the influence is a serious offense in most states. A DUI arrest is especially traumatic since there are many penalties involved such as license confiscation, huge fines, loss of employment and others that might ruin your reputation. When facing such charges, you should consider the options that are available to help clear your name. Here is what to do after DUI arrest.

Constitutional rights

There are certain rights reserved for those facing DUI arrests according to the constitution of the United States. Exercising your rights will help you get out of a serous situation. These constitutional rights are meant to protect citizens from intimidation. You have a right to remain silent, implying that you don't have to respond to investigators or police queries during your DUI arrest. This is important especially when you are drunk since you may give some incriminating information.

You also have the right to a lawyer. You must be allowed to contact your attorney when taken into custody. This is an opportunity to notify your attorney of the arrest and have him prepare the best defense in court. Your lawyer must be there during questioning. On the other hand, the state can appoint a public defender to represent you if you cannot hire the services of a DUI lawyer.

You have a right to decline to a breathalyzer or field sobriety test before your arrest but this depends with the laws of your state. Additionally, your refusal to submit to these kinds of tests may come with grave consequences. Therefore, make sure you understand DUI laws in your state.

Contact your attorney

Provide the details of your arrest to your attorney. Your attorney understands DUI laws and will strive to have your rights protected. A DUI lawyer has a broad understanding of such cases and will know how best to challenge any blood, chemical or breath tests and will also know how to avoid a license suspension.

Notify your lawyer about the kind of tests the police subjected you to. It is also important to notify him if a specific condition led to the arrest. For instance, illness or sleep deprivation could explain your bewilderment during the tests.

In case this is your second DUI arrest then inform the attorney. If you facing DUI convictions for the second time then your attorney must devise different defense strategies because several DUI arrests may lead to stern penalties.

Driving under influence expungement

In case this is your first DUI arrest, it is possible to have your arrest record sealed or destroyed .This is referred to as expungement. This is your only solution if you don't want your school or employer to learn about the DUI arrest. Having your records expunged will prevent your school, government agency or employer from learning about your conviction. Expungement can be done by a highly experienced DUI attorney.

Fight to keep your license

A DUI offense my come with other administrative penalties. In certain states, a driver's license is taken during an arrest and a paper license is issued. However, in most states once you are convicted your will have your license suspended. You can challenge this administrative penalty immediately after the arrest because if you fail to do this you may be subjected to license sanctions even after being acquitted of a DUI offense.

For more information about drunk driving laws in michigan, visit our main East Lansing DUI Attorney page.