In 2018, over 10,000 people died in the U.S. from alcohol-related car accidents.
Every year, people die from accidents like this, which is the reason that states have laws about drinking and driving. If you’re caught drinking and driving, you can end up with a DUI.
If you’re facing a DUI right now, you might wonder what happens next. What should you expect after getting a DUI, and what should you do afterward?
Here is a short guide to help you know the answers to these questions.
Your Criminal History Affects the Outcome
The first thing to know about DUIs is that the punishments and consequences tend to vary by state and criminal history.
People with clean criminal records won’t suffer as many consequences as people with charges on their records. In other words, when you get your first DUI, the court is not as strict with you.
When you get several DUIs, the court might view you as a habitual offender. Courts don’t have as much pity on a person that continues to break the law in the same ways over and over.
If you’re wondering what to understand about a DUI, the best thing to know is to get a DUI lawyer for help right away. Your outcome will be better if you do.
Consequences You Can Expect After a DUI
One thing you can expect after a DUI is consequences. As mentioned, the consequences vary depending on the situation and your criminal history. You might want to ask your DUI attorney, “is a DUI a felony?”
States view DUIs in different ways, and they often call them by different names. For example, you might want to find out the difference between a DWI vs DUI, as these can also have different outcomes.
One common consequence of a DUI is probation. You should also expect to pay some fines. In fact, a DUI often costs a lot of money.
The court might also require that you complete an alcohol program. These programs teach people the dangers of drinking and driving, and they also help you find ways to avoid it.
You Can Also Expect Insurance Changes
The other thing you can expect after a DUI is some changes with your auto insurance.
The first thing you might find out is that you need SR-22 insurance to continue driving. SR-22 is for high-risk drivers, and many states require this after a DUI.
Secondly, you can expect to pay higher rates. Because a DUI makes you a high-risk driver, your rates will likely increase, even if you don’t need SR-22 insurance.
Additionally, you might have to look for a new auto insurance company, as yours might not offer SR-22 insurance or want to continue offering you a policy.
Seek Help From a Lawyer
Whether you just got your first, second, or even third DUI, you should seek help from a lawyer. You’ll need legal help to handle a DUI charge.
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