What not to do after a dui arrest

Author: Akilah Richards
Published: May 29 2013

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a serious criminal charge. In the state of New Jersey for example, even a first time offender, if convicted, can face large fines, license suspension, required community service, ignition interlock device, and possibly incarceration.

When you have been arrested for a DWI / DUI, there are three things that you must absolutely avoid doing if you want the best outcome from this unfortunate situation:

1. Fail To Hire An Experienced Attorney You will need legal representation when you go before the court. Though you do have the legal right to defend yourself, statistically, you stand a much better chance at a minimally harsh outcome if you have professional legal representation. An experienced attorney will know the specific laws of your state, whereas you may not. For example, the experts over at www.nj-dmv-dwi.com alert us to the fact that, unlike other states, New Jersey does not allow a restricted driver’s license for drivers convicted of DWI, DUI or Refusal, for them to drive to work or any other destination, regardless of how essential the destination is to them, their job or their family.

2. Post On Social Sites You should refrain from posting any details about your arrest on social media. The prosecution will check your social sites before you appear in court. Since anything that is posted on a social site is considered “public information,” your comments can be held against you. It is impossible to plead innocent to a charge when you post to your social page that you were drunk and got pulled over.

3. Drive Under The Influence Again This one seems like a common sense thing, but take the time to consider it nonetheless. If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated, make sure that you do not get behind the wheel under the influence again. A second arrest for driving under the influence, even it's not from the typical alcohol ingestion process-- will bring about more severe fines and penalties. Check to ensure that your over-the-counter and prescription medicines don't contain too much "drowsy" inducing chemicals that might impair your ability to drive well.

Other Issues Surrounding DWI / DUI Convictions

Aside from the legal issues that come with being convicted of a DUI, there are also many personal consequences that are attached to this type of conviction. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may also face:

- Financial Problems You will be required to pay a fine to the court, and possibly fines to the Intoxicated Driver Resource Center (IDRC), the Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation Fund (AERF), the Drunk Driving Fund (DDF), and the Neighborhood Services Fund (NSF).

Transportation Problems If your license is suspended or revoked, you will not have the ability to drive to work, to the grocery store or for medical attention. This could cause a lot of stress on your family and employment.

Employment Issues Many employers will overlook employees with DUI convictions for promotions or other job duties because they believe they are irresponsible. If your job requires you to drive, you may lose your employment.

Insurance Rates Your car insurance rates will double, if not increase more than that. Some insurance companies may even refuse to provide you coverage because you are seen as a high risk.

Being arrested for a DUI does not automatically mean that all of these things will happen to you. However, if you are convicted of that DUI, you will see many, if not all, of these events occur. This is why it is so important to do whatever it takes to make sure that when you go before the judge you have everything in order. Make sure you have legal representation, and make sure that you have done everything your attorney has asked you to do.

Akilah Richards has worked as a legal assistant in several areas of law, and has experienced the complicated nature of drunk driving arrest cases. She shares these tips to help people manage these unfortunate situations. If you or someone you care about is ever involved in any type of drinking and driving crimes anywhere in New Jersey, log on to www.nj-dmv-dwi.com for expert advice on what to do next.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aperte/563458375/

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