An arrest for drunk driving is frightening and overwhelming, no matter if it’s your first offense or you have previous convictions on your criminal record. This type of crime can have a significant effect on your future, and you would benefit from building a strong defense strategy. One of the first things that you will want to do, however, is learn more about what you can expect from this process.
Several things will happen after an arrest for drunk driving in New York, including being taken to jail and booked. This does not mean that a conviction is certain, but you will want to learn more about how you can get out as soon as possible. At any point after an arrest for DWI, you will find it beneficial to seek defense help so you can start fighting the charges against you.
The booking process
You’re on your way home from a night out with friends, and the next thing you know, you see flashing lights in your rearview mirror. After you submit to sobriety tests and a chemical test, law enforcement may find that your blood alcohol content exceeds the legal limit. At this point, they will place you under arrest and take you to the police station for booking. The following things will happen during the booking process:
- The police will take your personal information and take note of your personal appearance, including height, weight and other characteristics.
- They will record pertinent information about your alleged crime.
- Law enforcement will run a check on your criminal background.
- They will take any personal property found on you, which they will return upon your release.
- They may place you in a holding cell or in jail.
After your booking, you may be able to pay a certain amount of money, called bail, that will allow you to leave jail. Posting bail is not an option in every situation, but depending on your criminal record and other factors, you may be able to pay the fee and return to your home to await trial. There are agencies that can help if you are unable to pay the bail amount in full.
What’s next?
After the booking process and paying bail, you may be on your way home to your family, but that doesn’t mean you are in the clear. You will still have to answer for the charges against you, and a conviction is possible. An assessment of your case can help you see what direction you should take to build a strong and effective defense strategy.