You won’t need to be told that the consequences of being arrested for a DUI offense are far-reaching and it is a scenario that is very stressful.
As soon as you are arrested and are booked into jail you need to be planning a defense strategy to try and minimize the impact of a DUI charge. You need to give yourself the best opportunity of resolving the issue in the least damaging way possible.
Searching for a DUI attorney Boston MA, for instance, will give you access to the sort of professional representation that is definitely required in order to understand what your rights are and how to combat the action that the Department of Licensing (DoL) will be taking against your license.
There is a timeline of events that you need to be aware of. Understanding the DUI procedure and what will happen to your license is very important.
Here is what you need to know.
Request a DUI hearing
Your attorney should normally advise you that even if the prospect of not winning a DUI hearing is not that high it is still in your best interests to request one.
There is a non-refundable fee to pay and you normally need to have complied with several conditions in order for your request to be granted.
You will have to have either refused or complied with a breathalyzer test at the time of your arrest.
Your request will also normally have to be made within seven days of your arrest.
It is important to be aware that the relevant rules and timings of the hearing process can vary depending on whether you took or refused a breath test. Your lawyer will provide guidance on how you should proceed with your application based on the circumstances of your arrest.
One of the key points to be mindful of is that if you don’t try to oppose the process by requesting a hearing you will see your license automatically suspended after 30 days have elapsed from your DUI arrest.
Trying to achieve the best outcome
If you do request a DUI hearing it should extend the time you get to keep your license for up to 120 days. This gives you a bit more time to prepare and carry on while getting help with your defense.
It should be stressed that if you were found to be intoxicated it is unlikely that a DoL hearing will be won. However, the fact that you have applied and taken legal representation can potentially help your court case at a later date.
Using a lawyer with proven DUI defense experience will help you to achieve the best possible outcome for your DUI charge. They will have the know-how to challenge witnesses and question any issues with the blood tests or levels of alcohol concentration that led to your arrest.
Facing a DUI arrest and charge will always be a potentially life-changing scenario that could have serious consequences. That is why you need to know what to do about your license and why you should get legal help as soon as possible.
