What Happens After a DUI Arrest in Punta Gorda?

The first few hours after a DUI arrest in Punta Gorda can be extremely challenging. During this period, many questions might run through your mind. You might ask when you can see a lawyer, how long you’ll spend in jail, and whether you will face violence while behind bars. While the first 24 hours after an arrest might be stressful, you can approach this issue with confidence once you contact an experienced DUI lawyer.

The Role of Alcohol Tests Before and After a DUI Arrest in Punta Gorda 

Alcohol tests play a central role before and after a typical DUI arrest in Punta Gorda. If police officers suspect that you might be intoxicated behind the wheel, they have the right to ask you to participate in an alcohol test. The most well-known of these tests is the Breathalyzer device.

You have the right to refuse a Breathalyzer test, although police can still try to gauge your intoxication levels with other methods. A refusal to participate in a Breathalyzer test does not necessarily prevent you from being arrested, and it leads to additional consequences under Florida’s implied consent laws.

If you refuse a Breathalyzer test, police can still subject you to a field sobriety test. This might involve walking in a straight line, touching your nose, reciting the alphabet backward, and so on. As with the Breathalyzer test, you also have the right to refuse a field sobriety test. However, police officers can still arrest you based on their observations of your alleged intoxication. This might include slurred words, bloodshot or “glassy” eyes, swaying, and so on. The authorities may also have the right to forcibly test your blood if you refuse all other tests.

What Happens After I Arrive at Jail? 

After police formally arrest you and charge you with DUI, they will transport you to jail and process you. This might involve taking your fingerprints, taking a mugshot, and confiscating your belongings. Police officers might also interview you at this stage, although you always have the right to remain silent. It may be particularly important to remain silent if you are struggling to think clearly, as you might accidentally make self-incriminating statements.

After officers book and process you, it may be possible to make a phone call. You may choose to call whoever you like, but most choose close friends or family members. You might also call a DUI lawyer, although you could also instruct a family member to call a lawyer on your behalf. The authorities will probably release you as soon as you “sober up,” and you should have time to meet with a lawyer after this point. However, the authorities might also decide to keep you incarcerated, especially if you allegedly committed a more serious DUI. For example, you might face allegations of DUI causing serious injury or death.

Can a Punta Gorda DUI Lawyer Help Me?

While you might have to wait many hours before your first consultation with a Punta Gorda DUI lawyer, you will likely feel much more confident about the future after this initial meeting. During your first consultation, your lawyer can assess your unique situation and help you determine your next steps. From there, you can work on your defense – ideally after securing release on bond. Learn more by contacting The Foley & Wilson Law Firm today.

Sources: 

ccso.org/programs_and_services/civilcriminal_process_information.php

ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/government/police/police-faqs