Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. If you were driving while being drunk or under influence of recreational/prescribed drugs, you can be charged with DUI. Most people who are charged with DUI are not criminals. These are people with regular jobs and life, who probably made a poor decision on a bad day. In many cases, DUI charges are slapped by the police under mysterious circumstances. If you are looking for help with your DUI arrest, you need to contact an attorney at the earliest. Here are some things worth knowing. 

Getting arrested

You were driving on the road and were pulled over and charged with DUI. After an arrest, you will be taken by the local police to their department, and you may have to spend the night there. In all likeliness, you will be given a summons, which will state the date and time when you need to appear in court. Depending on the circumstances of the case, some DUI detainees often need to post bail for release. If that happens, the person must post bail in full, which is like an assurance that they will appear in court. 

The basics

Ideally, if you have the financial means, consider hiring a DUI attorney as soon as possible. The first hearing will be to discuss the charges against you, and the court will ask if you have an attorney, or are in need of legal representation. You will be asked if you plead guilty or not guilty to the charges against you. Talk to your attorney to know the best course of action. You can expect misdemeanor cases to resolve when the accused pleads guilty. However, if that doesn’t happen, the case will be heard in a sessions court. Plea agreements with the prosecutor may resolve some cases. Trial is also possible without a jury, where a judge will take the call. 

Get a DUI defense lawyer

In your best interests and to get a fair chance, you must consider hiring a defense lawyer, who specializes in DUI cases. Meet the attorney in person, if you can, or else, just ask them how they can help. A skilled lawyer knows how to strategize DUI defense, and even when you are guilty, they may be able to minimize the consequences. 

Talk to an attorney if you have a DUI or misdemeanor charge, and do that at the earliest to get best possible legal help.