DUI? 10 Things You Should Know

DUI - Drunk Driving Information Center - 10 Guidelines

The following 10 Guidelines are split up into two groups, wherein the first group of five represents quick advice that will be helpful if one is pulled over on suspicion of DUI. The second group of five represents a thumbnail sketch of what one can expect during the judicial and administrative DUI process. Keep in mind that these guidelines are not intended to provide one with legal advice, but is only a framework of how an experienced DUI attorney may advise or handle one's case.

1. Stay calm.
2. Be polite, but don't answer any questions or make any admissions about drinking alcohol.
3. Don't Perform Any Field Sobriety Tests.
4. Ask to Speak to an Attorney.
5. Take the Breath Test Back at the Station.
6. Once you have been arrested for DUI, the Courts and Department of Licensing (DOL) immediately commence legal action in an effort to suspend/revoke your license and possibly put you in jail.
7. Brief explanation of Court Action:
   • Your first appearance in court will be at a hearing called an arraignment. The purpose of your arraignment will be to enter a plea of not guilty and to decide what conditions the court will impose upon you until your next court hearing. The court can impose conditions such as alcohol counseling, AA meetings or bail. Furthermore, it is important you have an attorney at this hearing so that your best interests are represented.
   • The maximum penalty for conviction of DUI is one year in jail and/or a 5,000-dollar fine. The mandatory minimums for a first time offense will be at least one day in jail and about a thousand dollar fine depending on your breath test/refusal.
   • Generally speaking, a DUI conviction will involve fine, a license suspension or restriction, drug and alcohol evaluation and follow-up, attendance at a DUI victims panel, ignition interlock device installed in one's care for one year and high risk/SR-22 insurance.
8. Brief explanation of DOL Action
   • Each individual who is charged with DUI has 30 Days to request an administrative hearing with a DOL hearing officer or their privilege to drive will be suspended ranging from 90 days to two years depending on the breath test /refusal.
   • The purpose of the DOL hearing is to determine whether the arresting officer followed the proper administrative procedure during all points of the investigation. Failures by the arresting officer to follow proper administrative procedure may result in no license suspension by the DOL.
   • Calling our office prior to the expiration of the 30-day deadline will ensure our ability to adequately represent your case at the hearing. Please call us as soon as possible so we can discuss all issues surrounding your DOL hearing.
9. The office of Feldman & Lee is committed to representing your best interests in DUI cases. Our office has handled a vast number of DUI cases in front of various local courts and in a significant number of cases achieved positive results. Please give us a call to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our FREE CONSULTATION so we can discuss your case further.
10. The office of Feldman & Lee is very flexible when it comes to scheduling appointments. Our office is usually open until late evening on most weekdays. In addition, our lawyers work on the weekends if that is more convenient for your schedule. Please give us a call today if we can help.