Pre-Arrest Screening
A DUI occurs when a motorist is found guilty of driving or operating a motorized vehicle while intoxicated. Water vessel operators are also subject to DUI offenses.
A DUI can inconvenience you in ways you cannot imagine and turn your life upside down. Many people facing these types of offenses hire the best DUI lawyers in NJ for the best outcome.
Consequences of a DUI
DUI convictions have numerous ramifications, which can impact your life in the short-term or long-term. Since DUI laws can vary by state, it’s important to understand the specific laws applicable to your jurisdiction to avoid potential adverse legal consequences. Here are the consequences of a DUI:
Denial of Driving Privileges
A DUI conviction can result in the denial of your driving privileges. Your driver’s license will likely be revoked if you’re found guilty of this offense.
A driver’s license revocation can affect you in many ways, especially by limiting your movement. Other inconveniences resulting from a revoked driver’s license include:
Difficulties with running personal errands; It will not be easy to visit friends and family members; Attending social activities will be hard, You’ll be forced to use public transport to commute to work, and much more.
Professional drivers are arguably the most affected by a driver’s license revocation. As a professional driver, you can’t operate without a driver’s license, meaning you’re likely to lose your job.
Background Checks
Many employers consider the background of employees or job applicants when making hiring, retention, promotion, and reassignment decisions. Employers have a right to ask any questions to learn more about you.
Your medical and genetic information should be shared voluntarily. Any information obtained from a background check shouldn’t be used to deny qualified candidates of equal employment opportunities.
Employment
Employment can be negatively impacted by a DUI charge, arrest, or conviction. If you’re facing a DUI charge, you’ll have to attend court proceedings to resolve your case.
Being away from work regularly will likely not sit well with your employer. Absenteeism will affect your productivity, which can put your job at risk.
Also, job applicants with a DUI history are likely not to be hired, especially when competing with applicants with clean records.
Increased Auto Insurance Rates
DUI offenders are considered high-risk clients by auto insurance companies. Consequently, they’re charged higher premiums.
Some auto insurance companies don’t tolerate DUI at all. That said, they’ll terminate your policy if found guilty of DUI instead of increasing your premium rates.
Strained Relationships
People subconsciously regard DUI offenders as criminals, and it’s not easy to change this notion. As a result, relationships become strained or broken in extreme cases.
It’s worse for public figures thanks to the media. They’ll publicize your arrest and make sure the story trends, injuring your reputation in the process.
Also, relationships with friends and family can be affected. For instance, family members will understandably be upset because of your irresponsible drinking behavior.
Stages of DUI Cases
DUI cases go through two main stages—the pre-trial and trial stages:
The Pre-trial Stage
The stages of a DUI pre-trial include:
Arrest; Booking and bail; DUI arraignment; Negotiating a plea bargain.
Arrest
An arrest is the apprehension of a DUI suspect for BAC testing or the verification of their intoxication status. However, the arresting officer must have probable cause to stop a motorist.
Once arrested, the suspect is subjected to a field sobriety test to determine their blood alcohol content.
If the BAC exceeds the legal limit, the suspect accompanies the arresting officer to the police station office and is jailed. The following activities will happen at the police station:
Obtaining the suspect’s personal information; Filing a police report; Taking the driver’s fingerprints, among others.
Bail Hearing
A bail hearing follows the arrest. The purpose of a bail hearing is to determine the suspect’s eligibility for release on bail. If the suspect qualifies for bail, they’ll be required to appear in court on a specific date determined by the court.
Arraignment
Arraignment is reading the preferred charge to the suspect. The suspect must appear in court during arraignment.
After reading the preferred charges, the suspect will be required to enter a guilty, not guilty, or contest plea. In other words, they will either accept, deny, or contest the charges leveled against them.
Plea Bargain
Depending on the facts of your case, a DUI attorney can make a deal with the prosecution on your behalf. These deals are called plea bargains.
A plea bargain seeks to pursue a lighter sentence if the suspect enters a guilty plea. These deals are rare in DUI cases, they’re considered in special circumstances, especially if the DUI conviction attracts a serious punishment or in repeat DUI offenses.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in many states. It’s important to seek legal help if you’re facing a DUI charge.