I’ve Been Arrested for a Virginia DUI, What Happens Now? (Part A)

The police officer is telling you that you are under arrest for driving under the influence. You're feeling scared, dejected, and humiliated, and all you want to do is go home. But unfortunately, your ordeal is just beginning.

The single biggest thing to keep in mind is that even though you are being arrested, you are still not considered guilty of DUI. That only comes after a trial - which is where a Virginia DUI lawyer can help.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Virginia, there is no time to waste! Contact Virginia DUI Lawyer Bob Battle to schedule your legal consultation today - 804-673-5600.

The Virginia DUI Arrest Process

After a Virginia DUI arrest, the following events will likely take place:

• You will be read your rights. The police officer will advise you of your Miranda rights. Be sure to heed the warning that "Anything you say can and will be used against you..." and do not say anything that may compromise your DUI defense case.
• You will be taken to the police station. The officer will likely handcuff you and put you into the back of the police vehicle. They will then drive to the police station or wherever their agency's base of operation is located.
• Your car may be towed. If there was another licensed driver in your vehicle whom the officer determined was not drunk, then they will be given the option of driving your vehicle away from the scene. If you were alone, the car will be towed - probably to a police impound lot.
• You are constantly being watched. From the moment you are arrested until you are released, you are under observation. Anything you say or do will be recorded in the police report and may influence a judge or jury during your DUI trial. This is not the time or place to admit guilt.

• If you want to try to get your license back, you have less than 5 days to hire a lawyer.
• Your trial date is almost always less than 2 months from the date you were charged and, thus, waiting just 14 days to hire a lawyer could severely handicap your defense

• Who is going to be my lawyer at trial?
• What are his/her qualifications?
• Are they AV rated? "AV" = Highest rating possible for Legal Ability and Ethics
• Are they a former prosecutor?
• Where did they prosecute?