Getting a DUI usually involves flashing lights, a traffic stop, and an arrest.
But what if no one pulls you over – can you still be charged later on? And could that charge actually show up in your mailbox?
It’s a weird question, but it comes up more than you’d think.
DUIs are almost always handled face-to-face, but there are a few unusual cases where things happen after the fact, and sometimes the notice gets mailed.
In this post, we’ll walk through how these charges normally happen, if you can get mailed a DUI, and what to do if it ever happens to you.
How Is A DUI Normally Issued
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) usually plays out like a scene from a movie.
You’re driving, maybe you swerve a little, then you see those red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. The cop pulls you over, asks a few questions, maybe gives you a breathalyzer test or asks you to walk a line.
If they think you’re impaired, you’re getting arrested right there on the spot.
That’s the usual route. The officer sees signs of impairment, makes the arrest, and then you’re officially charged. Everything happens in person, and it moves pretty fast.
Also Read: What Are DUI Case Time Limits in Michigan?
Can A DUI Be Mailed To You?
A DUI can be mailed to you, but it’s very rare.
You’re not gonna open your mailbox one random Tuesday and find a surprise DUI without anything leading up to it. DUIs are criminal charges, not like red-light camera tickets or parking violations. So no, they don’t usually just show up like junk mail.
But in some very specific situations, the police might investigate something that happened earlier and decide to file DUI charges later on.
And when that happens, they might notify you through mail if they couldn’t arrest you at the time things went down.
Scenarios Where DUI Charges Might Be Filed Later
Let’s go over some scenarios where a DUI charge might not come immediately but still ends up at your door weeks (or even months) later:
#1 After A Hit-And-Run
You can get mailed a DUI after a hit and run accident.
For example, let’s say you got into a fender bender or clipped a mailbox and took off.
If someone got your plate number and called the cops, they might start looking into it.
They’ll track down the vehicle, check who owns it, and possibly question witnesses or neighbors.
Also Read: Can I Get A CDL With 2 DUI?
If they suspect you were under the influence when it happened, they can build a case from that and move forward with DUI charges, even if you weren’t caught in the act.
#2 DUI Caught On Surveillance
You’re never thinking about cameras while pulling through a drive-thru or parking outside a store, but a lot of businesses have 24/7 surveillance.
If you’re visibly intoxicated on camera like stumbling out of your car, falling asleep at the wheel, or driving erratically, that footage can be used as evidence. Police can get that video, identify you, and piece together a timeline.
If it looks like you were impaired, that could be enough for a DUI charge to land in your mailbox.
#3 After-The-Fact Investigation
Sometimes police respond to a crash or an incident but don’t arrest anyone right away.
Maybe they didn’t see you driving, or maybe they weren’t sure what really happened yet.
But that doesn’t mean it’s over. They can start an investigation, look at crash reports, talk to people involved, and gather additional info – sometimes days or weeks later.
If they eventually believe you were under the influence, they can file charges and send you a notice to appear in court.
#4 Delayed Evidence Processing
This one comes up a lot with drug-related DUIs.
Let’s say you were involved in a wreck and they took your blood to test for substances. Those lab results can take time. If they come back showing something that counts as impairment, the authorities might charge you weeks later.
And that charge could be delivered in your mailbox.
So even if you weren’t arrested, the case isn’t necessarily closed. It’s just waiting on a lab result.
Also Read: How to Get a DUI Dismissed
How You’d Be Notified Of A DUI
If law enforcement decides to charge you later on, you’ll usually find out one of two ways:
- You get a letter or a formal court summons.
- You’re contacted by a detective or officer for follow-up.
Just because it’s mailed doesn’t make it any less serious. It’s not a speeding ticket. It’s a criminal charge. And it could come with a court date, fines, license suspension, or even jail time.
If you don’t respond or show up to court, things can escalate fast. A warrant could be issued for your arrest.
So yeah, ignoring that letter would be a very bad move.
What To Do If You Get A DUI Notice In The Mail
First off, DON’T ignore it.
This is a criminal charge, and pretending it didn’t show up won’t make it go away. Open the letter, read every part of it, and figure out the court date or any instructions included.
Then call a DUI attorney immediately. You want someone who can help you understand your options and guide you through the next steps.
If there’s anything that could support your side like receipts, texts, dashcam footage, or people who saw you sober, start gathering that as well.
The faster you act, the better your shot at a good outcome.
Bottom Line
You can get mailed a DUI in a few rare and specific situations. It usually means law enforcement didn’t arrest you right away, but they’ve been working behind the scenes to gather enough evidence to charge you later.
If something shows up in your mailbox and it looks serious, don’t brush it off. Take it seriously, reach out to an attorney, and get ahead of it before it gets worse.
DUIs are no joke – even if they come with a postage stamp.
