It's important to know all the things that can happen if or when you end up getting caught driving under the influence. The information below is a good start to educating you on the way things can go. Things used to not be so severe when people were caught drinking and driving, but now there are serious consequences, and for good reason. By learning about all the different ways your life can be messed up by a DUI conviction, you will come to see the importance of getting yourself good representation. A lawyer is your best bet for having some or even many of the punishments removed or lessened.

You get arrested

You may have seen older movies where the police pull someone over who has been drinking, give them a warning, and then ask the sober passenger to drive them home. This would simply not be done in this day and age. If you are pulled over and you are found to be under the influence of anything, then you are going to be arrested and booked into jail. When you are arrested, you get searched, your belongings are confiscated, you get fingerprinted, you will have your picture (or mug shot) taken, and you will be put in a cell. In a lot of states, you can be released when someone comes to get you and drive you home. You will have received a ticket and a notice of when to be in court. If you miss court, you will have a warrant out for your arrest.

You can lose all of your driving privileges

When you are arrested for a DUI, you are going to lose your license temporarily, and that means you lose your right to drive. However, your lawyer may be able to fight for you and get you what is known as a hardship license. This is a license that allows you to drive certain places, such as to school and home, or to work and home.

You can get a large fine

You will have to pay a fine if you have been arrested for a DUI. However, there are minimums and maximums when it comes to the amount of your fine. This is another place where your lawyer can truly help you out. You are going to have a better chance of being given that minimum fine if you have a lawyer pleading your case for you. Contact DUI lawyers in your area today to get legal help.