If you’re in the middle of a contentious divorce and you get arrested for a DUI, there could be some serious repercussions. No matter what, getting arrested for DUI disrupts your life, but when you’re in the middle of a child custody battle, the ripple effects could be seen for many months or even years to come.
Drivers license suspension
The first ripple effect is that your drivers license will be immediately confiscated by the arresting officer. You’ll have to contact the DMV to request a hearing about reinstatement of your license within 10 days, or you’ll forfeit that right. While your criminal case is pending, unless you successfully petition for reinstatement, you won’t be able to drive at all unless you have requested a stay of your license suspension pending the outcome of your DMV hearing. The criminal case against you could take weeks or months to go through the courts completely.
Potential impact on child care
Then if you are convicted of DUI, your drivers license could be suspended for a number of months or years, or revoked entirely. This may impact the terms of your divorce if you were planning on retaining custody of a child. Not being able to drive may impact your ability to care for the child adequately. Even regular visitation may be come more difficult when you can’t drive. The ex-spouse and the court may also judge you as unfit to care for your child if you are convicted of DUI, particularly if the child was in your vehicle at the time of your arrest. The exact circumstances of your DUI arrest will dictate the potential repercussions in your child custody battle and other divorce terms.
Contact your divorce attorney right away
You should definitely speak with your divorce attorney ASAP following a DUI arrest. He or she will explain the potential impact a DUI arrest and possible conviction could have on your divorce terms.
Also contact a DUI defense attorney immediately
You should also contact a DUI defense attorney ASAP after your arrest. If you were arrested anywhere in Southern California, the ideal choice is Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm. He has been specializing in DUI defense for many years, so he’ll know just what to do to achieve the ideal outcome in your DUI case – whether that’s dismissal of the charges, a reduction in penalties, or acceptance of a plea bargain. Attorney Chambers will always be on your side – fighting to protect your rights and best interests throughout your case, and always striving to prevent a conviction.
No one wants a DUI conviction on their criminal record – prevent one now by calling the Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or use the chat box below. As a prospective client, your first consultation with Attorney Chambers is free!
