You are well aware that drinking and driving is dangerous behavior. However, you may make bad and illegal choices sometimes. Maybe you get too drunk to fully comprehend what is happening, or your designated driver ends up ditching you.
No matter what leads to you getting behind the wheel while drunk, you may find yourself in handcuffs at the end of the night. Here are some guidelines for what you should do after the police arrest you for driving under the influence of alcohol:
1. Stay calm and polite
Your best option is to be nice when interacting with law enforcement after a DUI arrest. Even if you are feeling frustrated, try not to argue or resist arrest. Even when a police officer is putting you in handcuffs or taking you down to the station, do your best to remain claim and courteous. However, do not be overly talkative or cooperative, or else you may incriminate yourself.
2. Protect your license
You only have fifteen days to ask the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety for a license restoration hearing. If you miss this deadline, your driving privileges will be revoked for 30 days from your arrest, which will seriously inhibit your ability to go to work or run errands. Make sure you request a hearing as soon as possible to have the best chance of getting your license back sooner.
3. Get legal help
A DUI is a serious charge, and dealing with the justice system may be too much to handle. Before you try to represent yourself, think twice. You do not know the law or processes as well as an attorney. If you say one thing wrong, you may severely hurt your chances of getting out without a conviction. A lawyer will be able to advise you on the best steps to take and defend your charges in court. You may not even need to deal with any charges at the end of the day.
