What to Do After a DUI: A Step-by-Step 72-Hour Action Plan
Disclaimer
The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only; RoadGuard Interlock does not recommend or endorse such third party sites or their accuracy or reliability. RoadGuard Interlock expressly disclaims all liability regarding all content, materials, and information, and with respect to actions taken or not taken in reliance on such. The content is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.
A DUI arrest starts several clocks at once, and most people have never had to beat any of them before. Knowing what to do after a DUI, and in what order, matters more in the first 72 hours than at almost any other point in the process.
This guide walks through those first three days step by step: getting home safely, protecting your memory of what happened, finding the right paperwork, contacting an attorney, requesting your administrative hearing, and preparing for what follows. None of it requires legal training. Just a short list of things, done in the right order, starting today.
One note before the plan: this is general information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and change; consult an attorney or your state DMV about your situation.
Hour One: Get Home Safely and Stay Out of the Driver's Seat
The first step after a DUI arrest is the simplest one: arrange a safe ride home and do not drive. In many states, your license is suspended or confiscated at the time of arrest. Driving before you know exactly where you stand can add a new charge to a case you have not started defending.
Call a family member or friend, or use a rideshare. If your car was towed or impounded, leave it for now; the paperwork will tell you how to retrieve it. Then eat something and rest; the next steps go better with a clear head.
Before You Sleep: Write Down Everything You Remember
Your second task, ideally the same night, is to write down every detail you can remember about the stop and the arrest. Memory fades fast, and your attorney will want specifics that only you can supply.
Record as much of this as you can:
- Where you were earlier that day, and what you ate and drank, with rough times
- When and where the stop happened, and the reason the officer gave
- What the officer said and asked, and what you answered
- Any field sobriety tests, and how they were run
- Details of any breath or blood test: when it happened, where, and what you were told
- Anything you signed or were handed
- Names or descriptions of anyone who was with you or saw the stop
Do not edit out details that feel unflattering. This document is for your attorney, no one else.
Day One: Find Your Paperwork and Read Every Line
Everything you were handed at release is now your most useful possession, because your deadlines are printed on it. Gather it all into one folder today.
Look for these documents:
- The citation or ticket
- Any notice of license suspension or temporary driving permit
- Your court date notice, with the date, time, and location
- Bail or bond paperwork, if any
- Tow or impound documents for your vehicle
Read the suspension notice especially closely. In many states it doubles as a short-term driving permit, and it usually states the deadline for requesting an administrative hearing. More on that deadline below.
Day One or Two: Contact a DUI Attorney
Talk to an attorney within the first day or two, even if you have not decided whether to hire one. Early legal advice shapes everything that follows: the hearing request, the evidence that gets preserved, and how you plead at arraignment.
Many DUI attorneys offer free consultations, so the first conversation often costs nothing. Bring your notes and your folder of paperwork; those two items let an attorney give you real answers instead of generalities. If cost is a concern, ask the court about a public defender at your first appearance. What matters is that someone who knows your state's process reads your paperwork this week.
Right Away: Request Your DMV or Administrative Hearing
Request your administrative hearing as soon as you can, because this deadline is usually the shortest one you face. Many states allow only a brief window to ask for it, often around ten days from the arrest and sometimes less. Check your paperwork and your state DMV today rather than assuming you have time.
Here is why it matters. A DUI usually runs on two separate tracks: the criminal case in court, and an administrative case at the DMV that decides what happens to your license. Skip the hearing request and the suspension typically takes effect automatically, no matter how the court case goes. Requesting it preserves your options, and in some states it pauses the suspension until the hearing happens.
This hearing is also where restricted driving privileges often enter the picture. If you depend on your car for work or family, read up on how a restricted license with an ignition interlock works so you can ask the right questions.
Days Two and Three: Tell the People Who Need to Know
Tell the people whose plans depend on yours, and keep the circle small beyond that. A short, factual conversation now beats an awkward one later.
Start with your household. Someone may need to drive you for a while, and court dates will land on the family calendar. If your job involves driving, or if court appearances will conflict with work, ask your attorney what you must tell your employer and when; the answer depends on your state, your contract, and your license type. Commercial drivers face separate rules and should raise that with an attorney immediately. Beyond that, you owe nobody an announcement.
Before Court: Prepare for Your Arraignment
The arraignment is usually your first court appearance: the charges are read, you enter a plea, and the court sets conditions and next dates. Your notice lists when and where.
Preparation is mostly logistics. Confirm the date and time, arrange a ride, arrive early, and dress the way you would for a job interview. Decide your plea with your attorney beforehand rather than in the hallway. In some states a lawyer can appear with you or, for some charges, on your behalf; ask yours what to expect.
Day Three and Beyond: Plan for a Possible Ignition Interlock Requirement
Planning for an ignition interlock device before anyone orders one is one of the most practical moves you can make this week. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, every state has some form of ignition interlock program, though who must install one, and when, varies widely. For many drivers, an interlock is the bridge back to legal driving.
An ignition interlock device is a small breath-test unit connected to your ignition; the vehicle starts only after an alcohol-free breath sample. Modern devices are compact and discreet, and a test takes seconds. If this is your first offense, read up on what a first-time DUI interlock requirement usually involves before your hearing, because interlock terms often come up there.
What Installation Actually Involves
Installation is a single appointment at a certified service center. A technician connects the device, verifies it works with your vehicle, and walks you through using it before you leave. You can read a plain-English overview of what ignition interlock installation involves ahead of time, and same-day installs are available in many locations, which matters when a compliance deadline is close. Scheduling promptly often shortens the gap between "license suspended" and "driving legally again."
What to Do After a DUI: The Full 72-Hour Checklist
Work through this list in order. Most items take minutes, not hours.
First few hours
- Arrange a safe ride home; do not drive
- Leave the car where it is until you read the impound paperwork
Before you sleep
- Write down everything you remember about the stop, tests, and arrest
Day one
- Gather every document into one folder
- Read the suspension notice and find your hearing deadline
- Note your court date somewhere you cannot miss it
Day one or two
- Contact a DUI attorney; bring your notes and paperwork
- Request your DMV or administrative hearing (do not wait on this one)
Days two and three
- Tell your household; ask your attorney what your employer needs to know
- Arrange transportation for work, school, and court
- Prepare for the arraignment: plea decided, ride planned, clothes ready
- Learn how a restricted license and an interlock work in your state
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do after a DUI arrest?
Get home safely without driving. In many states your license is suspended or confiscated at arrest, so driving before you know your status risks a new charge. Arrange a ride, rest, then start the note-taking and paperwork steps the same day. Your case builds on the details you capture in the first 24 hours.
How soon should I contact an attorney after a DUI?
Within the first day or two. Early advice shapes your hearing request, your plea, and what evidence gets preserved. Many DUI attorneys offer free consultations, so the first conversation often costs nothing. If money is tight, ask the court about a public defender, but do not wait until your court date to learn your deadlines.
How long do I have to request a DMV hearing after a DUI?
It depends on your state, and the window is short. Many states allow only around ten days from the arrest, and some allow less. The exact deadline is usually printed on your suspension notice or citation. Check that paperwork and your state DMV's website immediately, because missing the window typically means the suspension takes effect automatically.
Is the DMV hearing the same as my court date?
No. The court case decides the criminal charge, while the DMV's administrative process decides what happens to your license. Resolving one does not automatically resolve the other. You usually must request the DMV hearing yourself, while the court date is assigned to you. Treat both as mandatory.
Can I drive after a DUI arrest?
Sometimes, but confirm before you do. Some states issue a temporary permit that allows driving for a limited period after arrest; others suspend driving privileges immediately. Your suspension notice states which applies to you. Later, many states offer a restricted license, often paired with an ignition interlock device, for driving to work, school, and treatment.
Do I have to tell my employer about a DUI?
It depends on your job, your contract, and your state. Drivers with commercial licenses or driving-based jobs often have reporting obligations; many other employees do not. Ask your attorney what you are required to disclose and when before you volunteer anything. If court dates conflict with work, you can request the time without explaining the details.
What happens at a DUI arraignment?
The arraignment is usually your first court appearance. The judge reads the charges, you enter a plea, and the court sets conditions of release and future dates. It is typically brief. Decide your plea with your attorney beforehand, arrive early, dress professionally, and bring your paperwork with you.
Will I need an ignition interlock device after a DUI?
Possibly. Every state runs some form of ignition interlock program, but who must install a device, and for how long, varies by state, offense history, and the court's or DMV's orders. For many drivers an interlock is what makes a restricted license possible. Your paperwork, attorney, or state DMV will confirm whether one applies to you.
How long does ignition interlock installation take?
Installation is a single appointment at a certified service center, and the time varies by vehicle type. A technician connects the device, tests it, and trains you on it before you leave. Same-day installation appointments are available in many locations, which helps when a court or DMV compliance deadline is close.
The Next Step
You do not have to solve the whole case this week. Make the calls, request the hearing, and keep your paperwork in one place; the rest follows from there. If an ignition interlock ends up in your future, RoadGuard Interlock offers discreet, easy-to-use devices with same-day installation available in many locations, making that part of the process one of the simpler ones. Call 1-833-545-0368 when you are ready.
Disclaimer: This article is provided by RoadGuard Interlock for general informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, or medical advice. DUI and ignition interlock laws, penalties, fees, and program requirements differ from state to state and county to county, and they can change at any time. Any costs, timelines, or figures mentioned are general estimates rather than quotes or guarantees. Please do not rely on this article as a statement of the law where you live. Confirm current requirements with your state DMV, the court handling your case, a licensed attorney, or RoadGuard Interlock directly before making decisions. Device features, pricing, availability, same-day installation, and any promotions referenced are subject to change, vary by location, and may not be offered in every state RoadGuard Interlock serves.