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Driving under the influence is an offense in every state in the United States. You can be charged and found guilty of an offense if you're found to be driving with a blood alcohol level that exceeds 0.08 percent. This limit has now been adopted in each of the 50 states, and it can be even lower for certain drivers, e.g. commercial drivers.

However, the charges and the punishments associated with DUIs vary from one state to the next. The charges can also be different if you're not a resident of the state in which you've been charged.

Find Yourself a Local Attorney

The moment you're arrested and charged with a DUI, you'll want to get in touch with a DUI attorney. Being charged with an out-of-state DUI can be a very complicated issue, especially if you're required to appear in court every time your case is heard.

When you hire an attorney who is experienced in such matters, they can look into issues such as the setting of bail, and they can also start gathering evidence that can be used in your defense as soon as possible.

Attend All Court Sessions When Required

If your DUI charge is considered a criminal offense, you will probably be required to attend several court sessions. Just because you reside in another state doesn't mean you can walk away from these charges and forget about them -- the state in which you're charged will simply ask your home state to extradite you.

If you have to be extradited before attending court, there's a good chance you'll remain in custody for the duration of the trial. This can interfere with your other responsibilities at home, including work and family.

Ask Your Attorney to Appear in Court for You

If you're facing a lesser charge, e.g. a misdemeanor, you may not have to be present for all the proceedings. In many states your local attorney can appear in court for you and defend you against the charges.

You should take advantage of this option when it's available because it will mean that you won't have to travel back and forth between states to attend your court hearings. It will also ensure that you don't miss out on any hours at work.

Hire an attorney that you'll be able to stay in touch with by phone or email. This ensures that you're aware of any significant events during your case.