I Just Received a DUI. Now What Do I Do?

Have you recently been arrested for a DUI? If so, you might be wondering what is going to happen next. As you might already know, drinking and driving is considered to be a serious matter by the state of Tennessee, and you could be facing pretty serious consequences. You can help minimize the effects of the DUI and can help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible for you if you are properly prepared, however. These are some of the next steps that you will need to take.

Secure Legal Representation

First and foremost, if you are thinking about trying to handle the situation on your own, you should really consider rethinking your decision. The truth is that a DUI is a more serious matter than many people realize, and if you have never gotten one before, you might not understand how the process works. Working with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal system can help you fight your DUI and can provide you with guidance and representation in court.

Attend All Court Dates

When you were arrested for your DUI, you were probably given a court date in which you are required to appear before a judge. Do not miss this court date; if you do, your bond could be forfeited and you could be re-arrested. There is a good chance that your case will not be handled on your first court date, however. In fact, many DUI cases go on for quite some time. Your attorney might ask for continuances so that he or she will have more time to work on your case, for example. In the meantime, it is critical to attend all of your court dates unless your attorney has advised you that you do not need to.

Be Financially Prepared

A DUI is not cheap. Along with the cost of getting bailed out of jail, you have to gather the money to pay your lawyer before court. Then, if you are convicted of your DUI, you can count on being hit with a host of different fines and fees that can be quite costly. Saving up money in the weeks or months leading up to your potential conviction is smart so that you can handle these matters without putting too much of a financial strain on yourself. If you are unsure of how much you will need, consider talking to your attorney; he or she should be able to give you a basic idea of what you will be expected to pay.

Being charged with a DUI can be a very serious situation, but knowing what to expect and ensuring that you are prepared can help you handle the matter in the best way possible.