Driving while impaired is a serious offense not to mention you risk losing your life and those of whom you’re carrying.
However, if you’re arrested for a DWI, you’ll have to contend with various processes installed by the law. Take a look at the entire process from when you’re pulled over by a patrol officer.
- Co-operate with the Officer
Non-compliance and non-cooperation will only aggravate your charges. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to cooperate with the officer throughout the stop-over.
Regardless of the level of intoxication, comply with law enforcement and don’t fall into the temptation of arguing with the officer.
- Towing Your Car
If the officer charges you with a DWI, you’ll have to ride with him/her in their patrol car to the police station. Your car, on the other hand, will be towed by a towing company to their yard. Of course, this will be at your own expense.
However, as soon as you receive the towing company’s contact information, arrange for your car’s pickup and pay the costs involved.
- At the Station
Once you get to the station, you may have to wait for several hours before you can be processed. For a first-time offender, the process is longer. This because the intake officer will have to take a mug shot and your fingerprints.
Afterward, you’ll be interrogated by a police officer or an investigating officer. The questions will touch on why you were driving under the influence and the circumstances that led to this situation. at this point, you’ll have the opportunity to contact a qualified DWI attorney.
- The Period at the Station
How long you’ll spend at the station will depend on a myriad of factors including your criminal record, your age, your level of intoxication and the location of your DWI among other factors.
If you get out on bond, you’ll get an opportunity to get in touch with a bondsman, a relative or a friend to arrange how the money will be deposited at the police station. This also includes your transportation from the station.
- Your Day at the Court
If you’re charged with a DWI, you may have to appear before a judge in a court of law to know your fate. This is where your qualified DWI lawyer will come in handy. Don’t worry though if you don’t have access to one because the court will appoint one for you.
However, the most important thing while in court is to always be respectful and remain calm at all times. Also, answer all questions as truthfully as possible.
- Complete your Sentence
If found guilty of an offense, the court will sentence you to certain community service projects. After sentencing, make sure you adhere to the court’s rules and complete the programs as fast as possible. This will allow the supervising officer to report your progress to the court. In addition, pay the fines imposed on you.
- What Next after a DWI Charge?
Keep in mind a DWI is a serious offense. So serious that they’ll remain in your records for a long while or even permanently. This means any potential employer will view these records when hiring you.
Therefore, when searching for a job keep your records in mind and always reveal them beforehand to your employer. This is better than covering up otherwise, you may end up losing the opportunity.
In conclusion, a DWI offense is a life-changing experience with numerous consequences. If, by any chance, you end up in this unfortunate predicament, don’t get angry. Instead, you must be thankful because you could have injured yourself or worse.
