What to Do After Being Charged with a DUI
What to Do After Being Charged with a DUI
One night of drinking can ruin your future if you decide to get behind the wheel intoxicated. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, especially if it is your first DUI, it can be a very frightening experience. What should you do first? Will you automatically lose your driver’s license? How can you recover and move on from this mistake? Whether you just had a single drink at dinner or participated in an Olympic evening of beer pong, the results of a DUI arrest can be life altering.
If you have been charged with a DUI, the easiest way to prepare yourself for what to expect is to seek out a professional and seek guidance and advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney. At Henry & Beaver, LLP our experienced criminal defense lawyers have over 30 years of experience handling a wide range of criminal charges. They have the knowledge and experience needed to effectively advise you, no matter what the circumstances surrounding the drunk driving allegations may be.
Many people who are charged with driving under the influence are required to complete community service or court referral programs. Most DUI first-time offenders will qualify for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. The Pennsylvania Code states that the primary purpose of the ARD program is the rehabilitation of the offender while eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming trials or other court proceedings. The program is intended to encourage offenders to make a fresh start after participation in a rehabilitative program and offers them the possibility of a clean record if they successfully complete the program.
Our attorneys will fully examine the facts surrounding your arrest to help you determine whether ARD is a viable option. It is recommended to complete assigned drug and alcohol evaluations as soon as possible so that it can be reported back to the court that you have fulfilled your requirements. Also, pay any fines in full as soon as you are able!
In all states, even for a first-time conviction, your sentence will include the loss of driving privileges for a period of time, even in states that offer a hardship license that allows you to drive to work or school during the time your license is revoked or suspended.
After getting a DUI, unless you qualify for ARD, the conviction will stay on your record for at least several years, if not permanently. Additionally, potential employers will be able to view these records before they hire you. If you are planning to look for a new job in the near future, be honest about your DUI charge since it is better to explain the situation beforehand than appear to be covering it up.
If you have been accused of drunk driving, take action to protect your license and your freedom by contacting Henry & Beaver online or call 717-274-3644 to schedule a consultation with one of our Lebanon DUI attorneys.