If you have been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) in Missouri, it is important for you to gain a deeper insight into the state’s DUI booking process and learn how you can protect your legal rights.
What happens during the booking process?
If a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that you were driving while impaired with alcohol or drugs, they will arrest you and take you to the police station for booking. During this process, the officer in charge will ask for your personal information, take your fingerprints and take a mugshot.
Depending on the circumstances of your DUI arrest, the officer in charge may also ask you to take a breath and/or blood test. While you may refuse a breathalyzer test, this will lead to an automatic suspension of your driver’s license.
While you are at the police station, a judge will also seek to determine your custody status.
What happens if I qualify for bail?
If you qualify for bail, you can either post a cash bond or seek help from a bail bond service. After your release, you will have 15 days to request and attend an administrative license revocation (ALR) hearing. This practice is crucial in appealing your license suspension case.
While you can attend an ALR hearing on your own, hiring an experienced lawyer can be beneficial for your DUI criminal case. Since your arrest will trigger two separate legal consequences:
- A criminal case for your DUI charge
- An administrative case for your license suspension
Seeking a lawyer’s immediate support on these matters can help safeguard your rights and your driving privileges.
Fight for your freedom the right way
By collaborating with a lawyer who can oversee the details of your drunk driving case with efficiency, they can help protect your reputation by gathering key evidence, building your DUI defense and advocating for your rights in court.