A DUI arrest can happen to anyone. One bad decision on a Friday night and suddenly a family member is sitting in jail. If you just got that call, take a breath. DUI arrests are very common, and in most cases the person can be released on bond fairly quickly.
This guide explains what usually happens after a DUI arrest in Wichita and how families can help.
What Happens Right After a DUI Arrest?
After a DUI arrest in Wichita, the person is usually taken in for booking. Booking includes taking fingerprints and a photo, recording personal information, and logging the charges. Depending on where the arrest happened and the circumstances, the case may be handled in Wichita Municipal Court or in Sedgwick County District Court. You can learn more about the early steps in our guide on how long booking takes at Sedgwick County Jail.
How Is Bail Set for a DUI?
Bond amounts for DUI arrests depend on several things, such as:
- Whether this is a first offense or a repeat offense
- Whether anyone was hurt
- The person’s criminal history
- Whether there are other charges, like driving on a suspended license
Many first time DUI arrests have bond amounts that families can manage with the help of a bail bond. More serious cases may have higher bonds or special conditions.
Common Bond Conditions After a DUI
Judges often attach conditions to a DUI bond. These can include things like not drinking alcohol, not driving, alcohol monitoring, or an ignition interlock device. The exact conditions depend on the case and the court. Following these conditions is very important. Breaking them can lead to the bond being revoked and the person going back to jail. If you are not sure what the conditions are, ask the defendant’s attorney.
How a Bail Bond Helps With a DUI
Instead of paying the full bond amount in cash, you pay a smaller fee called a premium to a bail bond company. The bondsman then posts the full bond with the jail. This lets your loved one get home, go back to work, and prepare for court. Eastep Bail Bonds offers DUI bail bonds in Wichita 24/7, and we accept credit cards and payment plans.
What About Their Car and License?
After a DUI arrest, the vehicle may be towed, and there can be separate issues with the person’s driver’s license. These are handled apart from the bail bond. Once your loved one is out, they should talk with a DUI attorney right away about the license process and any deadlines. Deadlines in DUI cases can be short, so do not wait.
Steps Families Can Take Right Now
- Find out where the person is being held and the bond amount.
- Call a local bail bondsman to start the paperwork.
- Arrange a sober ride home for the person once they are released.
- Help them find a DUI defense attorney.
- Write down every court date and condition of release.
After Release: Stay on Track
The most important thing after a DUI release is showing up to every court date and following every condition. Missing court can lead to a warrant. If something comes up, call your attorney and your bondsman before the court date, not after.
Fast, Judgment Free Help
We know that good people make mistakes. At Eastep Bail Bonds, we treat every family with respect and work quickly to get your loved one home. Call any time, day or night.
Eastep Bail Bonds is a bail bond company. We are not attorneys and we do not give legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact Warrior Lawyers.
Call Eastep Bail Bonds 24/7 at (316) 391-3723.
