Call Us Now! 813-995-2222
Directly in Front of the Land O Lakes Det. Ctr. / Pasco Jail Entrance
Always Open 24/7/365
9907 Land O Lakes Blvd Land O Lakes, Florida 34639 United States
2017 Bail Agent Of The Year
Call Us Now! 813-995-2222
Directly in Front of the Land O Lakes Det. Ctr. / Pasco Jail Entrance
Always Open 24/7/365
9907 Land O Lakes Blvd, Land O Lakes, Florida 34639
2017 Bail Agent Of The Year
Getting pulled over at any time is stressful, but if you've also had a drink or two, you may be worried about a DUI. If you want to better protect yourself, keep reading to check out what to expect if you get pulled over for a suspected DUI.
Field Sobriety Tests
If an officer thinks you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will ask you to perform a few field sobriety tests to determine if you are impaired. One of the most well-known field sobriety tests is the walk-and-turn test. In this test, the officer has you walk a straight line, heel to toe. At the end of the walk, you turn around and walk back.
Meanwhile, the officer watches for signs of impairment, which include stopping during the walk and holding your arms out to support yourself. Another test is the one-leg-stand test, which helps The officer test your balance. If you fail these tests or refuse to take them (which is your right), you will likely be arrested.
Blood Alcohol Content Tests
In addition to field sobriety tests, the officer may ask you to take a breathalyzer test, which is a type of blood alcohol content (BAC) test. If you agree to take the breathalyzer test, you will blow into a device that will measure the amount of alcohol in your system. If you refuse to take the breathalyzer test, the officer will likely arrest you.
It is worth noting that if a driver is involved in a traffic crash, where injury or death has occurred in that traffic crash, should the officer find probable cause to believe that a driver involved in the traffic crash is impaired, that driver must submit to a BAC test and if they refuse Florida law allows law enforcement to forcefully obtain a BAC from them regardless.
Booking
If you are arrested, you will have to go through the booking process, which starts with collecting vital information, such as your name, address, and alleged crime. You will also get a mugshot, and the officer will take your fingerprints. Any clothing and personal property you are wearing may be confiscated and replaced with a jail uniform.
You will also undergo a full-body search (an invasive process) to make sure you aren't hiding any weapons or drugs. The officers will also provide a health check to ensure you don’t need medical attention, and they will check for any warrants. Once booking is complete, you will go to a holding cell to await your hearing or until you post bail.
Bail Hearing
Most crimes come with a set bail amount, and for minor crimes, you may be released on your own recognizance. In these cases, you may not have to wait for a bail hearing. Many people, however, have to attend a bail hearing to find out if they qualify for bail and how much bail costs.
Many factors influence whether you qualify for bail and how much your bail should cost. For example, if this is your first crime, you have a long history in the community, and the crime was minor, your bail will be lower than a repeat offender who committed a major crime and is a known flight risk. If bail is approved, the judge may set conditions, such as avoiding alcohol or going to addiction classes.
Official Trial
Even if you are released on bail, you still need to attend your official trial. If you don't, you forfeit the bail money you posted, and the judge will issue a bench warrant for your arrest, while also the bail bond agent will be tasked with locating you, arresting you and putting you back in jail.
During your trial, it's the state's job to prove you are guilty of driving under the influence, and they will try to do this with the field sobriety and BAC tests you took. If you are found guilty, you may face some jail time and fines. Regardless of the outcome, as long as you attend your hearing and comply with conditions, your bail bond obligation to your bondsman is satisfied.
Getting arrested is scary. Luckily, most people don't have to wait in jail for their hearing. If you want to learn more about bail and how you can pay it, contact us at Brad's Bail Bonds located directly across the street from the Pasco County jail entrance.
Phone:
(813) 995-2222
Address: 9907 Land O Lakes Blvd Land O Lakes, Florida 34639 United States
Business Hours: 24/7/365