Being arrested for a DUI can be nerve-racking, especially when you’re unsure of what steps to take next. In this article, we walk through…
- What to do immediately after being released from custody after a DUI arrest.
- Why it’s crucial to not ignore court notices after a DUI arrest.
- How early representation can be of immense help after a DUI arrest.
What Steps Should I Take Immediately After Being Released From Custody Following A DUI Arrest?
DUI arrests are very tricky because they’re different from most other arrests. In fact, there’s a 90% chance your driver’s license will be immediately suspended, either because you provided a breath test above the legal limit or refused to take one. That issue needs to be addressed within the first 10 days after your arrest. If you don’t take action or make an election within that time, you lose your ability to do so.
Another important step is taking care of your vehicle. There’s somewhere around a 75% chance that your vehicle will have been towed. If you don’t handle that quickly, the storage and towing fees will continue to increase every single day.
These are typically the first two things you need to address right after getting out of jail following a DUI arrest.
What Deadlines Surrounding My Driver’s License Being Suspended Do I Face After A DUI Arrest In Florida?
The driver’s license suspension deadline is the most important one. That’s the first thing you need to take care of. There’s no strict legal deadline for retrieving your vehicle, but as mentioned earlier, the cost keeps increasing the longer it sits in impound. So while it’s not a legal deadline, it’s still something you need to handle quickly.
What Can Happen If I Ignore Court Notices After A DUI Arrest?
If you ignore a court notice, you will get a warrant issued for your arrest. If you receive notice of a court date and you don’t have a lawyer, you must appear in court. If you fail to show up, a warrant will be issued. In some cases, if you have a lawyer, you may not be required to appear in court. That depends on the situation and is something you need to discuss directly with your attorney.
What Common Mistakes Should I Avoid After Being Arrested For DUI?
One of the biggest mistakes is not handling your court obligations properly. You either need to hire a lawyer or make sure you appear in court as required. If a warrant is issued, it can quickly turn into a much bigger problem and may result in you being taken back into custody.
In my opinion, you should have a lawyer for a DUI charge. DUI cases are complex, yet, unfortunately, many who are arrested for DUI don’t understand all the legal nuances involved. In fact, DUI cases can be more difficult to try than even some serious felony cases because of all the technical details, legal standards, and hybrid issues involved. That’s why having experienced legal representation is so important.
How Can Early Legal Representation Help Me When Facing DUI Charges?
Early legal representation is extremely helpful, especially in DUI cases where there’s a lot going on. The most important thing you need early on is information. For example, with your driver’s license, you need to understand your options. You may be able to request a formal review hearing or apply for a hardship license. Each option has benefits and drawbacks, and it’s important to determine what’s best for your specific situation.
There are also other requirements to consider before even getting to court. You may need to complete DUI school, depending on your situation and the option you choose. You need to know where to go, who to contact, and how to complete these steps properly.
Additionally, in most DUI cases, having a lawyer means you may not need to appear in court personally. Your attorney can handle court appearances, gather evidence, and obtain discovery materials.
Today, in the vast majority of cases (often 98% or more), there will be video evidence. That might include dashcam or bodycam footage. We obtain those videos, review them, and go over them with the client. That allows us to explain exactly what’s happening in the case and discuss the available options moving forward.
Having that level of information and guidance early on makes a significant difference in how a DUI case is handled.
Still Have Questions? Ready To Get Started?
For more information on DUI arrests in Broward County and what to do, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (954) 338-7878 today.
William DiRenzo of DiRenzo Defense in Fort Lauderdale focuses on guiding clients through the critical first steps after DUI arrests in Broward County. With years of hands-on experience handling DUI cases, he understands how quickly issues like license suspension deadlines and vehicle impound fees can escalate. With that, he has helped countless clients take immediate action to protect their rights and avoid costly mistakes early in the process.
If you’ve recently been arrested for DUI, don’t wait. Contact William DiRenzo today to get clear direction and protect your future from the very start.
