If you recently received a DUI charge in Boston, you might be stressing about what will happen next. If you are a first-time offender with a clean criminal record, it may seem like it is the end of the world. Although you should not make light of your situation, it is important for you to remain calm.
A drunk driving charge can have a long-term impact on your life that may follow you around forever. You are at risk of receiving a jail sentence, criminal conviction and other penalties that can make your life much harder. Take some time to learn what you should expect when you have a pending DUI charge.
Your day in court
You will receive a summons or court date for your case. It is important for you to keep up with this date so you can show up in court on time. If you do not, the court will issue a warrant for your arrest and you could face additional criminal charges. You should not make assumptions about the outcome of your situation. If there is proof of your intoxication at the time of your arrest, such as a dash cam video of you failing the field sobriety tests or you had a BAC result showing you were over the legal limit, you could have a harder time proclaiming your innocence.
Your driving privileges
If the court finds you guilty but you receive probation instead of an incarceration sentence, you should not operate any motor vehicle unless you have a restricted or temporary license. If you need to travel anywhere, you should ask your friends and family members for rides or use public transportation. If you drive with a suspended license, you could end up with more criminal charges and a longer driver’s license suspension term.
DUI charges are nothing to play with. The arrest alone can haunt you for a long time. Many people who are at risk of a DUI conviction find it beneficial to seek out legal counsel.