Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is very dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Not only is the driver putting themselves and others at risk of injury or death, a DUI conviction can cost them $20,000 or more.

While you will hopefully never be faced with a DUI charge, it is good to be prepared in case the situation arises where you find yourself needing a criminal defense and DUI attorney and you need to know what to do when being charged with a crime. Here are a few things to expect if you are caught driving under the influence.

Cooperate with the Officer

If you are pulled over, the best thing to do is be cooperative and polite with the officer. While this can be difficult if you are intoxicated, you should still try to do what the police officer asks of you to the best of your abilities.

To ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible, avoid arguing with the officer at all costs. The last thing you want is for the situation to escalate or lead to more charges being added against you.

Remember Your Right to Legal Representation

Once you are brought to the police station, you may be asked to answer questions. If you feel you have been wrongfully charged or that you are being treated unfairly, remember that you have the right to contact a criminal defense and DUI attorney.

There are DUI lawyers that are well versed in the DUI law of the state that you are being charged in, and they are there to help you through the charging process.

Retrieving Your Vehicle

When you are brought in for you DUI charge, you will be driven to the station by the police officer, which means that you car will likely be towed. Be sure to contact the towing company as soon as possible to limit your towing costs.

You will want to arrange for your vehicle to be picked up in a timely manner because the longer that it is with the towing company, the more you will pay. Make sure that all towing costs are taken care of so you can avoid possible fines.

Going to Court

Hiring a criminal defense and DUI attorney is especially important if you are charged with a DUI and asked to appear in court. As it is your right to a legal representative, you will have the chance to use your own DUI attorney if you choose.

When you are in court, it is again important to act respectfully and follow any direction given to you by your criminal defense and DUI attorney. It is also important that you answer all questions truthfully and to the best of your ability.

Fulfing Your Sentence

In most DUI cases, people are charged with community service or court referral programs. It is important that you complete these as soon as possible. It is also important to pay any fines that you are charged with as soon as you are able.

Ideally, you will never find yourself driving under the influence and in need of a criminal defense and DUI attorney. However, if you do find yourself in that situation, it is important to remain calm and respectful, retrieve your vehicle in a timely manner, contact a DUI law firm, and complete the sentence that you are given.