Yes absolutely! Even if you are wanting to plead guilty to the charge, you absolutely need an attorney to represent you. An attorney knows what type of plea offers are given on each type of case, and whether or not you are getting a good deal. An attorney also knows about the different forms of probation and their requirements. They can discuss your needs, and help you determine what works best for you.

Now that you have bonded out of jail, it is time to start looking for an attorney. You don’t have to have an attorney in time for your arraignment date, but the sooner you can hire one, the better. Your arraignment date is the date you are given when you bond out of jail. At this court date you will be told whether the State has filed charges against you, or if they are declining to file charges.

If you weren’t driving at the time of arrest, you were most likely charged with actual physical control of a vehicle (APC). This is a DUI without driving, and merely requires your intoxication while you are in control of a vehicle. This is a common charge for when individuals fall asleep in their car while intoxicated, but the car was not moving or even running at the time that they were discovered by law enforcement.

No, the State can still charge you with a DUI, even if you did not take the State’s test. While refusing the State’s test may be in your best interest in some scenarios, refusal of the State’s test is interpreted as a presumption of intoxication. Your license will be suspended, and the State may still charge you with a DUI.

Yes. This is particularly an issue with medical marijuana, as it will show up on blood tests long after the mental effects have worn off.

You are rarely prevented from driving as a condition of bail, however, your license may be suspended as a result of your DUI. If your license is suspended, you cannot drive during that suspension period.

Yes! There are a few different ways to get your license back after it has been suspended. One is to wait out the suspension period and pay the reinstatement fee. Another is by enrolling in the IDAP program. We recommend hiring an attorney with experience handling license suspension to advise you on the best method for getting your license back.

The State has charged me with a DUI, do I really need an attorney?

FAQs