One of the last things you might expect while driving in Florida is to be pulled over by a police officer and arrested for a DUI. This is a stressful situation that can leave you fearing for your future. If this happens to you, this is what to expect after your arrest.
What to expect immediately after an arrest
After arresting you for driving under the influence (DUI), the officer will take you to the police station. Once there, you will be booked, fingerprinted and mugshots will be taken of you. The police will also take your driver’s license and issue you a temporary paper permit that allows you to drive while the court or Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) decides whether your license will be suspended.
If you refused to submit to a breath test at the scene, your license could be automatically suspended. The officer might ask you to take one at the police station as well. Depending on the circumstances, it might be in your best interest to submit to the test.
Once you go to court, you might be required to pay fines and various fees. For example, refusing a breath test often results in heftier fees and fines. The judge will impose higher penalties if you had a child in the vehicle with you or if a person was injured or killed as well.
What to expect later
Even if you aren’t convicted of DUI, your arrest can have an effect on your auto insurance. You might be charged considerably higher rates for coverage or the insurer can drop you altogether because you’re deemed too high a risk.
The judge might order you to enter rehab or a course on drunk driving. You may also require an interlock ignition device (IID) on your vehicle if you’re allowed to drive just to work or school and back home.