The first thing to remember if you are pulled over for a DUI is that this charge is not just a traffic ticket. Depending on the state it could be a felony and in all states it is at least a misdemeanour. A criminal charge is a much more serious situation than a traffic citation. Your immediate concern should not be losing your license but getting convicted on a criminal charge.

At The Arrest

Keeping in mind this is not the same as a speeding ticket, it is best that you exercise your right to remain silent if you have in fact been operating the vehicle while under the influence. Many people are amazingly honest in their answer to “have you been drinking” and this admission gives the officer probable cause for the criminal charge of DUI.

Understand you do not resist arrest; you simply exercise your right to remain silent. In most states if you refuse to take a breathalyzer you are assumed to be operating under the influence. There are also separate sanctions for refusing. When you are actually arrested, ask for counsel.

The general rule is to cooperate without admitting anything. Do not give any false information. If you say you had nothing to drink when you did, and they discover that in the test, they have you with a false statement even if you are legally sober.

What Happens To Your Driver’s License

It depends on the state. Your license will probably be taken from you and a paper receipt issued. The same may apply to your license tag on your car. Your DMV is going to take action against you and they will probably move faster than the court case. If you don’t respond to their notices, or if you have no idea how to deal with those proceedings, there is an excellent chance that you will lose your driving privileges.

It is imperative to get an experienced and qualified counsel to help you through both the criminal aspect and the DMV action. Without representation you could both lose you license and your freedom.

This article is for informational purposes only, not for legal advice.

20d2

Click here for more information from Will & Will LLP of Los Angeles, CA

Article Source:

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Dexter

i need to sr-22 to get my license back after 7 years w/o driving. i lost it in 2001 due to a dui, and haven't driven since. its finally time for me to start my life over, and this is a major step to do it. i learned from the dmv (ca) that i need the sr-22 + insurance, and just a 125.00$ reinstatement cost. i know there are a lot of factors to consider, but just an idea of the cost would be great.