What Happens after a DUI Arrest in Prince George’s County
While a DUI arrest could be an intimidating experience in and of itself, the aftermath of the arrest could be even more overwhelming. Given the potential consequences of a DUI allegation, individuals are recommended to speak with an attorney who has tried drunk driving cases in the past and knows what happens after a DUI arrest in Prince George’s County. An experienced criminal attorney could review your drunk driving case and build your legal defense.
Immediately Aftermath of a Drunk Driving Arrest
After an arrest for a DUI in PG County, a person is generally taken to a local precinct to submit to a breath test. The defendant is first placed in handcuffs and put the back of the squad car or, occasionally, the front. They are transported to the local precinct. From there, there is a minimum 20-minute waiting or observation period whereby the authorities ensure the individual driver does not drink, eat, vomit, or put any foreign substance into their mouth. Once that has been done, they are brought to the technician, which is not and cannot be the same person as the arresting officer, to submit to the breath test.
They are generally read over what is called the DR-15: Advice of Rights, which outlines the driving privilege consequences of either refusing to take the breath test and blowing over a .08, or refusing to take it. Whether someone takes a test or refuses, the results are recorded and then they are asked to sign the paperwork. Shortly after they are processed, they oftentimes sign an agreement that they will not drive for a period of 12 hours and then are released. Individuals in Prince George’s County who wish to understand what happens after a DUI arrest could consult a knowledgeable attorney for answers.
Consequences of Refusing to Take a BAC Test
A person can refuse to take a BAC test in PG County under any circumstances. If they do not take it, they will be advised that there are sanctions, both criminally and against their license, that will occur as a result of their refusal.
The consequences for a first-offense refusal are a 270-day loss of their license. The prosecutor could also seek an enhancement in the criminal case. This means that on a first offense, there is an additional two months’ incarceration above the maximum regular penalty that a person could face upon a refusal.
A Prince George’s County attorney that knows what happens after a DUI arrest could explain what penalties a person may face for refusing a BAC test.
Could Drivers Get a Lawyer for Prince George’s County Bond Hearings?
Drivers could get a lawyer who is familiar with what happens after a DUI arrest in Prince George’s County to go with them during the bond hearing. Many skilled attorneys do bond hearings on a regular basis. While most basic DUIs do not require a bond hearing, they may be required if
- It is a subsequent offense
- The defendant has drugs or guns in the car or has other serious charges arising out of the DUI case
- Another party was hurt
When to Contact a DUI Attorney
An individual should contact an attorney for a DUI case as soon as they are able to. Specifically, the first time they are able to could be before deciding whether to submit to the breath test at the station.
It should be noted that it is not ideal to contact an attorney during a DUI stop. Once someone is being held and detained by the side of the road for any traffic violation, the first opportunity that the person will have to call an attorney is back at the station before taking the test. Call today and let a hard-working attorney provide legal assistance.