What Happens If You Are Arrested for a DUI?

Driving under the influence, more commonly known as DUI, is one of the most serious traffic offenses you can be accused of. Unlike most other traffic offenses, though, you can face far more serious consequences than simply getting a traffic ticket, or having points put on your license. Here are five things that may happen if you are arrested for a DUI:

1. Your license will likely be suspended or revoked
   • Typically, when someone has been arrested for a DUI, they face an automatic suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. A driver who has had their license suspended cannot legally drive a vehicle until the period of the suspension is over (usually between six months and a year). A driver who has had their license revoked effectively must go through the process of obtaining a new license, which can be difficult and time-consuming.
2. You may have an ignition interlock device installed
   • In addition to losing the ability to legally drive, you may be forced to have an ignition interlock device installed in your car. This device prevents the car from starting unless you blow into a built-in breathalyzer and blow less than the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). If you try to drive in a car that doesn’t have an ignition interlock system in it, or you try to circumvent the ignition interlock in your own vehicle, you could face additional legal penalties.
3. You may be ordered to attend rehab
   • It is fairly common for the court to order rehabilitation for anyone accused of drug-related offenses, but it is especially common in the case of people accused of a DUI. While in rehab, you must comply with the terms of the program, which includes regular drug tests. If you fail to attend court-ordered rehab or violate the terms of the program, you could suffer additional fines, fees, or even jail time.
4. You may be placed on probation
   • Another common punishment for DUI offenses is being placed on probation. While not as severe as incarceration, you do need to regularly check in with your probation officer and comply with whatever terms are set for your probation. If you violate the terms of your probation, you could face additional jail time in addition to any other penalties you may face.
5. You could face jail or prison time
   • The most severe potential consequence of a DUI, of course, is that you may face jail or prison time, depending on the severity of your offense. The amount of incarceration you face is dependent on a number of factors, including whether you have previously been arrested for a DUI, whether anyone was injured as a result of your DUI, and whether there were other aggravating factors (such as driving without a license or driving under the influence with a child in the vehicle). It is because of severe potential consequences such as these that you should speak to a lawyer with knowledge of criminal law, who can help you to defend yourself if you are arrested for a DUI.

If you or someone you know has been arrested for a criminal offense, you will need legal counsel to help you preserve your rights and work to get the best possible outcome for your matter. A New York criminal defense lawyer, who is experienced in handling criminal cases of all sorts, can advise you of your legal rights and will fight for your best interests in court. If you or your loved one has been arrested, contact the Suffolk County criminal defense attorneys at McGuire, Peláez and Bennett at (631) 348-1702.