4 Things to Do If Arrested for a DUI Out of State

Did you know that the average person takes around seven road trips in their lifetime?

Whether leaving your home and going on an epic road trip to another state or flying to a foreign land and taking a road trip in a rented car, you can have lots of fun traveling in a vehicle. Hitting the open road for fun, adventure, and relaxation can make for a memorable vacation.

But what should you do if you’re road-tripping out of state and, despite your best efforts, find yourself facing DUI charges? It can be a harrowing experience to see a police car pull up behind you and compel you to pull over on the side of the road or the shoulder of the highway.

Drinking and driving kills 28 people daily — around one person every 52 minutes — in the U.S. That adds up to 10,000 deaths annually because of drunk driving. So, you’ll want to consider the potentially life-changing or even life-ending consequences of driving while inebriated.

Here are some things to remember if your out-of-state road trip is interrupted by a DUI charge.

1.  Contact a Criminal Defense Lawyer

It’s always a good idea to retain the services of a lawyer to advise you. Some states use the term DUI, which stands for driving under the influence, but others use the term DWI, which stands for drinking while intoxicated or impaired. Depending on the state, the meanings of these two terms can be different. An experienced lawyer will ensure you know what you’re up against.

If pulled over on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the police may ask you to take a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. The BAC limit across the country is 0.08.

2. Ensure Lawyer Practices In the State of Your Arrest

Hire a lawyer practicing in whatever state the DUI charge materializes. You can count on a lawyer from the state to know the intricacies of the law. While there are similarities in DUI or DWI charges from state to state, there can be essential differences you need to be aware of.

The lawyer can appear on your behalf for DUI cases related to a driver’s license suspension hearing and, if necessary, a criminal court case. A good lawyer can build a solid case and increase the odds of your charges being lessened or thrown out.

3. Entertain the Possibility of a Longer Stay or an Undesired Return Trip

You might have to stay put for a while, depending on the charges pending against you. Even though some states will allow a defense lawyer to attend appearances in your place, others won’t. 

You might have to shoulder costs for accommodations, food, and more. Again, a lot will depend on the state the DUI charges originate from. You might have to take time off work to return to the out-of-state location for legal proceedings. Your lawyer will advise you.

4. Find Out the Penalties 

It’s essential to understand what’s at stake. If arrested out of state for a DUI, the state where the incident occurred will notify your home state of the DUI. Different states have different penalties for DUI or DWI charges. Your home state may punish you under the rules of the state where the DUI occurred or impose punishment in line with the penalties in your home state.

Where the Rubber Meets the Road

When enjoying a road trip, the last thing you want is to face a DUI charge. It can dampen an otherwise great vacation getaway. You can reduce the odds of facing this scenario by respecting the rules of the road and steering clear of getting behind the wheel after drinking. But if you ever face such an unfortunate scenario, contact a DUI lawyer for counsel.