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Below are some quick answers to urgent questions. Click to The Arrest for answers to questions that may address your specific circumstances.

I was arrested last night. What's next? You might have your first court appearance scheduled for later today or tomorrow, or the date might be sent to you in the mail within the next few weeks or months. If you received a ticket/citation for DUI from the arresting officer you probably have an arraignment scheduled today or tomorrow. The date, time, and location should be written on the front of the ticket. If you did not receive a ticket for DUI, you will probably receive a notice in the mail showing your first court appearance.

What happens at my first appearance in court? It depends upon the jurisdiction, but usually the charges will be read and you will be asked to enter a plea of "guilty" or "not guilty." Then the judge will consider conditions of "pretrial release" including whether to impose the requirement of posting cash bail in order to be released from the courthouse/jail that day. Further, "conditions of release" are considered by the judge including possible attendance at AA meetings or the installation of an ignition interlock device in any car you drive, even though you have not been convicted of anything. Knowledge of court rules and local court procedures is key and representation by knowledgeable defense counsel is highly recommended.

My license was punched and the officer gave me a "DOL Hearing Request Form." What should I do? Sending the Hearing Request Form (and $200.00 fee, unless indigent) to the Department of Licensing is your only chance to fight the suspension or revocation of your license, which is imminent if your license was punched. You have 20 days from the date of receipt of this notice to send it to the Department of Licensing, requesting a hearing. An experienced DUI defense attorney will have advice regarding the timing of mailing this form, but if you miss the 20 day deadline your opportunity to fight the license suspension/revocation is forever lost.