Have you recently been charged with a DWI?
A recent arrest can be tough on your emotions, but it’s even more complicated on the legal front.
If you’ve never been arrested for a DWI, you may not be aware of your next steps. And it’s best to be prepared in case such an event should occur.
Thankfully, we’re here to help you. Read on to learn what you should do after a DWI arrest.
You’ll need to pay bond
Once you’ve been arrested for DWI, you won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. You’ll be arrested and taken directly to the jail where you’ll need to pay the bond to be released.
The average cost for bond really depends on each situation. In the state of North Carolina, DWIs are rated on a scale of 1-5. If this is your first DWI, you may not be incarcerated. Again, this always depends on how your arrest is ranked on the scale.
Usually, you will be held for at least 24 hours. During this time you’ll need to come up with bail. Often times, the bail will be set to a large amount.
So if you or your friends and family are not able to come up with the bond amount, you will not be released. You may have to reach out to a bail bondsman to secure your release.
You’ll need to appear in court
After you’re released from police custody, you’ll be summoned to a court appearance. Before your court date, you should consider hiring a lawyer or other professional who understands the state law.
You’ll want someone who will be able to speak on your behalf, especially if there is no evidence you were under the influence while driving.
A professional will also be able to consult whether or not you should plead guilty or innocent. So it’s best to consult with someone prior to court to let them know all the details of your arrest.
You’ll pay legal fines
Not only will you need to appear in court and potentially spend time in jail, you’ll also have dozens of fees to pay as a result of your DWI arrest.
Some fees you can expect to pay:
- Court fines – After you’ve been seen in court, you will be expected to pay these fines. The amount will vary depending on your specific situation. If you were not convicted, you will not be expected to pay the court fines.
- DMV fees – Your license will be revoked after your arrest. You will need to pay fees in order to have your license reinstated.
- Car insurance rates – After an arrest for DWI, your car insurance rates will raise. Be expected to pay a substantial amount after your arrest because you are now considered a high risk. You may also need to seek additional coverage and submit special forms in order to be insured again.
- Legal fees – Aside from your court fines, you’ll also be expected to pay your lawyer. These fees can often be rather expensive.
Seeking help after a DWI arrest
A DWI arrest is a stressful time for you and your loved ones. Your license could be revoked for a certain period of time, and the legal fines you will pay may be a burden.
If you are in need of bail after you are arrested for a DWI, we’re here to help. Contact us in order to secure bail after your arrest.
