What to do after receiving a DUI

There are several parts to receiving a DUI charge after drunk driving. Depending on the situation and circumstances, the DUI conviction may be minimal or it may become more severe. You need to know what to expect before your DUI hearing, after you go to trial, and after your final sentence to protect yourself.

Before a DUI hearing

Getting a DUI begins when you get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking. If a police officer has reason to stop you and suspects you’ve been drinking, they can give you a road breathalyzer test. If that test results in a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 percent or higher, you will be arrested. Other test options are a chemical test of your blood after arrest or a urine test.

At the time of arrest, an officer will take away your license. Now is the time to request a motor vehicle hearing, which must take place within 7 days of arrest in the state of Colorado. The hearing will be scheduled within 60 days and you may be granted a temporary license until then depending on the situation.

Judicial and trial process

If necessary, a short date will be scheduled. First is an arraignment, which you may or may not need to attend depending on the circumstances and if you have an attorney. The impeachment court date will be on your ticket. This will be followed by a pre-trial conference where your attorney will discuss your case with a district attorney. This will happen about 6 weeks later and a petition will be negotiated for you.

This will lead to a trial in court, which will generally include a jury. The trial will take place within 6 months of the plea bargain. While you are in court, the sentence will be decided taking into account several factors. This could result in a misdemeanor or a worst-case felony. You can also receive a sentence after your agreement with the prosecution, without the need for a trial.

Consequences after a convicted DUI

Now that a DUI conviction has been decided from your sentence, there are several penalties that follow. In some cases, you may spend time in county jail or prison depending on the severity.

The first step is to get your driver’s license back, which may not be so simple after your revocation period. Sometimes you will be asked to go through different classes to get your license back. Some classes that may be required of you, such as drunk driving school classes or alcohol classes. In several cases, an ignition interlock device will be fitted to your car that tests your blood alcohol level on your breath. In all cases, fines will be imposed, which will vary depending on the circumstances. Other consequences to consider are increases in car insurance, as well as problems getting a job after a DUI conviction.