How Should I Handle a DUI?
DUI arrests happen to people of all ages, races, and economic groups – many of whom have never been arrested before in their lives. An arrest, and especially a conviction, can have a major impact on people’s reputations and careers. It is therefore important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
The main reason why it is so important to move quickly is that if a person is arrested for DUI, and refuses to take a breath, blood or urine test or takes the test and has an unlawful result, his or her license is automatically, and immediately, suspended. The length of this suspension varies depending on whether there is an unlawful result or if the test is refused, as well as whether there has been a prior license suspension for DUI. The arrested person is given a citation, which serves as their driver’s license for ten days. During this ten day period, a person must file for an administrative hearing to challenge the suspension, or in certain cases can accept the suspension and receive an immediate hardship permit. If nothing is done within ten days of the arrest, the license suspension kicks in automatically. Requesting an administrative hearing grants an automatic, temporary work permit until the hearing can be held.
