Getting pulled over for drunk driving is the beginning of a complex nightmare that will require a lot of your time, money and attention. The following are a few items that you will more than likely have to deal with if you have been charged with a DUI or DWI. Hire a Lawyer
Because driving under the influence is a very serious charge, it is typically recommended that you hire an attorney. While an attorney may not be able to get you off of the charge totally, he may be able to:
Get related charges reduced. For example, if you were ticketed for speeding and driving under the influence, an attorney may be able to bargain with the prosecutor and get the additional charges dropped.
Question the admissibility of evidence or the validity of your Breathalyzer results. The latter has come under scrutiny lately. For example, in January 2013, Pennsylvania State Police decided they were suspending the use of Breathalyzer tests because there their accuracy has been questioned, according to CBS Pittsburgh. An experienced attorney could use information such as this, especially if your blood alcohol was very low, to argue that your results may be inaccurate.
Ask for a less severe sentence and possibly get you restricted driving rights to work or to school. Deal with Your Insurance
With regard to your automobile insurance policy, getting a DWI or DUI can result in serious consequences. Some insurance companies will cancel your policy, while others may raise your rates. Either way, you may need to:
Get quotes for new car insurance. Even if your insurer doesn’t cancel your policy, you may want to find one that will have lower premiums.
Consider raising your deductible for your automobile insurance policy. According to MSN Money, it could make sense for you to raise your deductible in order to lower your monthly automobile insurance premiums. The higher your deductible, the lower your payment should be. However, it is important to put aside money so that you can pay the deductible if you should get into an auto accident.
Obtain SR-22 proof of insurance. After you receive a DWI, most states will require that you fill out this form, which verifies that you have obtained automobile insurance from a company like Great Northern Insurance Agency that will cover at least the minimum liability requirements in your state. If you fail to keep your coverage up or change insurance companies, your insurer must notify the state that you no longer have coverage with it, and then your driver’s license will be suspended. Comply With All Court Orders
Once you’ve gone to court and received sentencing, it is very important to follow through on all of the judge’s instructions. It would be in your best interest to create a checklist that includes the following, when applicable:
Sign up and complete required classes. For example, in Virginia, you will be required to complete the Alcohol Safety and Awareness Program (ASAP).
File your SR22 form with your state’s Department or Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If your insurance company does not automatically send this to the state, you will need to either mail it in or submit it in person. Check with your DMV or BMV for its specific requirements. For example, the State of Nebraska does not accept faxed or photocopies of SR22 forms.
Pay your fines and court costs.
Sign up and complete any community service work you may have been assigned.
A drunk driving arrest is a very serious matter, so it’s important that you complete all of your legal requirements and ensure that the court is aware that you have fulfilled all of your obligations. June 2014MTWTFSS
Because driving under the influence is a very serious charge, it is typically recommended that you hire an attorney. While an attorney may not be able to get you off of the charge totally, he may be able to:
Get related charges reduced. For example, if you were ticketed for speeding and driving under the influence, an attorney may be able to bargain with the prosecutor and get the additional charges dropped.
Question the admissibility of evidence or the validity of your Breathalyzer results. The latter has come under scrutiny lately. For example, in January 2013, Pennsylvania State Police decided they were suspending the use of Breathalyzer tests because there their accuracy has been questioned, according to CBS Pittsburgh. An experienced attorney could use information such as this, especially if your blood alcohol was very low, to argue that your results may be inaccurate.
Ask for a less severe sentence and possibly get you restricted driving rights to work or to school. Deal with Your Insurance
With regard to your automobile insurance policy, getting a DWI or DUI can result in serious consequences. Some insurance companies will cancel your policy, while others may raise your rates. Either way, you may need to:
Get quotes for new car insurance. Even if your insurer doesn’t cancel your policy, you may want to find one that will have lower premiums.
Consider raising your deductible for your automobile insurance policy. According to MSN Money, it could make sense for you to raise your deductible in order to lower your monthly automobile insurance premiums. The higher your deductible, the lower your payment should be. However, it is important to put aside money so that you can pay the deductible if you should get into an auto accident.
Obtain SR-22 proof of insurance. After you receive a DWI, most states will require that you fill out this form, which verifies that you have obtained automobile insurance from a company like Great Northern Insurance Agency that will cover at least the minimum liability requirements in your state. If you fail to keep your coverage up or change insurance companies, your insurer must notify the state that you no longer have coverage with it, and then your driver’s license will be suspended. Comply With All Court Orders
Once you’ve gone to court and received sentencing, it is very important to follow through on all of the judge’s instructions. It would be in your best interest to create a checklist that includes the following, when applicable:
Sign up and complete required classes. For example, in Virginia, you will be required to complete the Alcohol Safety and Awareness Program (ASAP).
File your SR22 form with your state’s Department or Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If your insurance company does not automatically send this to the state, you will need to either mail it in or submit it in person. Check with your DMV or BMV for its specific requirements. For example, the State of Nebraska does not accept faxed or photocopies of SR22 forms.
Pay your fines and court costs.
Sign up and complete any community service work you may have been assigned.
A drunk driving arrest is a very serious matter, so it’s important that you complete all of your legal requirements and ensure that the court is aware that you have fulfilled all of your obligations. June 2014MTWTFSS
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Sunday, July 3, 2016
