4 THINGS YOU NEED TO DO AFTER YOUR FIRST DUI ARREST

After your first DUI arrest, you may wonder what steps you should take next. A plethora of complex emotions may cause you to feel overwhelmed. Don't panic; instead, create an action plan. By taking the following steps, you can minimize the effects of the DUI on your personal life, career and finances.

One of the first things that happens after a DUI arrest is that the court suspends the defendant's license. This part of the DUI process is inevitable; though you will most likely eventually get your license back, it is important to make the necessary arrangements for transportation in the meantime. Consider carpooling with your coworkers, using public transportation or hiring a ride-sharing service. If you cannot find an alternative means of transportation, you can apply for a hardship driver's license. A hardship driver's license is a special type of license specifically for drivers who have had their licenses revoked. You can only use the hardship license for driving to and from work, school, church and certain errands deemed necessary for the health and proper functioning of your household. Contact the Wisconsin DMV to determine your eligibility for a hardship driver's license and to fill out the necessary application.

An attorney who specializes in representing individuals accused of a DUI is a valuable asset when it comes to getting your charges reduced or even dropped. Your lawyer will go over the evidence that the prosecutor has against you and help you determine if it is in your best interest to go to trial or accept a plea bargain. DUI attorneys have the experience to provide constructive advice concerning how you can minimize the aftermath of your DUI arrest. If you are a first-time defendant, you may be tempted to simply plead guilty or attempt to cut a deal yourself instead of hiring an attorney. Though this may save money in the short term, in the long run, this can increase the overall cost of your DUI. Not only are there immediate expenses associated with a DUI conviction, such as driving school or substance abuse class, but your insurance premiums will increase for years to come. A conviction of a lesser charge can help minimize the potential skyrocketing of your insurance premium.

You will want to start budgeting for your DUI-related expenses sooner rather than later. Though costs vary depending on the details of your case, you should expect to pay between $7,247 and $9,647 for a DUI case in Wisconsin. For many individuals, coming up with thousands of dollars is a strain to the budget. Look for discretionary expenses that you can eliminate to help defray some of the costs related to a DUI. You may want to explore taking out a credit card or personal loan with an affordable interest rate. Financing some of your expenses gives you more time to come up with the cash. It also ensures that you do not make unwise decisions in hopes of saving a few dollars.

If you have an employment contract with your employer, it is time to thoroughly read it to see if you need to report your DUI arrest, and if so, who you need to contact. Many defendants prefer to keep the details of their arrest as private as possible to avoid having coworkers speculate about their guilt or innocence. Regardless of whether or not you have a contract, if your job duties entail driving, you should inform your employer about arrest. Not sure where to turn after your DUI arrest? Contact Cohen Law Offices, LLC, today to get the assistance of a qualified attorney.