Jail Time DUI

Possibly the worst penalty you can imagine for a DUI is serving jail time. But the more you know about jail, the better you can prepare yourself for what lies ahead.

When you first arrive at jail, the police will need to obtain your information. This is known as the booking process. During this time, police will ask for your name, address and contact information so they can enter you into the computer. You will then be photographed and fingerprinted. While you are booked, the police officer will describe the crime(s) that you have been charged with and may tell you your bail amount should one have been set.



What many people don’t realize is that part of the booking process also includes speaking with a medical professional. The jail will want to be made aware of any health issues that you may have—particularly those that may be a potential hazard for others. They also want to know if you are pregnant or require any medications. After answering their questions, the medical professional will take a blood sample to determine if you have any diseases or require medical treatment. You should know that if you are taking any drugs or alcohol, they will show up in your blood sample and the prosecution may be able to use this as evidence against you in court.

Typically, you are allowed to make one phone call after you are booked. Use this time to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney! Being that you only get one phone call, your attorney can also contact your loved ones to let them know your whereabouts if you request.

Following the booking process and your phone call, you will then be searched to ensure you have no weapons (or anything that can be used as a weapon) or illegal substances on you. You then must change into an inmate’s uniform, which includes wearing flip flops. This is to help slow you down if you try to escape.

Be sure to ask the officer if you are allowed to keep your socks on. Jails are kept at cooler temperatures to help stop germs from spreading, and it also helps ensure inmates are not agitated by warmer temperatures.