If you just received a DUI charge (a.k.a. OMVI, OVI, DWI, etc.), you are likely experiencing an upheaval of difficult feelings and emotions…anger, regret, anxiety, dread, maybe even self-hate. These are normal responses.
This blog is written to offer perspective on these emotions and help you develop a proactive plan for the next steps. Here’s what to do after a dui or when a family member faces this situation.
Talk to Someone to Help You Process
If you feel emotionally overwhelmed, we encourage you to speak with a mental health professional. It’s important to take preventative steps and take care of your mental health—something that can help you feel more confident navigating life after the upset of a dui.
Everyone responds differently to an event like a DUI. The emotional impact typically varies with the severity of the incident. These factors might include:
- The arresting officer’s demeanor
- Whether or not there was an accident and/or injuries
- How much public or professional exposure the DUI charge is causing you
- Whether you spent some time in jail
Regardless of the situation you are in, taking the time to process thoughts and feeling will help you feel more grounded and ready to tackle what lies ahead. Here are some strategies you can try to help manage stress and anxious feelings.
Stay Educated
You’ll find a lot of DUI information on the internet. Where should you start though, and who can you trust? You can narrow down your search first looking up information regarding DUI laws in the state where the event occurred.
This will point you in the right direction but ultimately, you will have to deal with the prosecutor and a judge who have their own style and nuanced procedures. Thus, it’s vital to find an attorney who does business in the same local court where the DUI charge occurred.
If you are wondering what to do after you get a dui, staying informed about your rights and legal process will help.
Consider Hiring an Attorney
Even if you are considering pleading guilty, our advice is that you hire a reputable attorney. You will have the option of using your own attorney. If you cannot get one, the courts will appoint a public defender for you.
Attorneys are not there just to “get people out of their charges”. They are there to make sure you are fairly represented in court. Make sure the attorney specializes in DUI defense. This is no time to be funding someone who is on the DUI learning curve, or trying to save money by using your uncle’s buddy who is actually a divorce attorney.
Make Time for Self Reflection
During a time like this, it’s easy to panic and make swift decisions when you don't know what to do after you get a dui. Whether you’re speaking to an attorney or doing online research, we encourage you to carve out time to reflect upon what you have been learning about when reading online or while speaking with your attorney.
Doing so will help you remain grounded and make smart decisions that can positively impact your life and, if applicable, help you get and remain sober.
Take a Proactive Stance toward Your Offense
For individuals wondering what happens when you get a dui for the first-time, let your attorney be your defense in court and listen to their recommendations.
Many attorneys will recommend you take a proactive approach and get an alcohol and/or drug assessment as soon as possible, even before your first or second appearance in court. This can demonstrate you are serious and taking responsibility in the court's eyes.
An alcohol and/or drug assessment can work in your favor. For example, if your assessment finds you have no alcohol or drug use disorder, it often helps the judge see you as a responsible citizen who presents a lower risk. Thus, it can help mitigate the specifics of the DUI charges, a plea bargain, or the final sentence.
FAQs
These FAQs are intended to help fill in any knowledge gaps, as you navigate the DUI process.
What is a DUI assessment?
A DUI assessment is a process that determines if an alcohol use disorder exists. And if so, the severity of the condition or disorder.
A judge may order the DUI or substance use evaluation to gain more information on the individual who is being charged but often attorneys will advise their clients to proactively get their assessment completed even before the first appearance in front of a judge. Participating in the assessment can show authorities you are willing to cooperate and possibly mitigate charges or sentencing or improve the terms of a plea bargain.
What happens when you get your first DUI?
In most states, a first DUI is a misdemeanor, but this would change if other aggravating circumstances are involved such as a high alcohol test, a history of multiple DUI charges, simultaneous drug possession, theft, an accident that causes harm.
A DUI often involves jail time, fines, and license suspension. Individuals must go to court, which may involve an arraignment, plea bargaining, a sentence, or in rare cases a trial.
What is the best outcome for a DUI?
If someone is found guilty of driving under the influence, their sentence may involve community service, counseling, and/or online education classes to help minimize any risks moving forward. Participating in these activities can help individuals get back on track and pave a healthier future for themselves.
While receiving a DUI for the first time can be frustrating, it can jump start a positive cycle of change for yourself and those around you.
Learn the 11 ways to cut down on drinking.
How long do most DUI cases take?
It depends on the complexity of the DUI case. While some may take a day, others can last anywhere between two and six months.
Can I drive after a DUI?
Upon a DUI charge, your driving privileges are typically suspended or restricted for a period of time. The time frame depends on the DUI event or circumstances surrounding the event. In addition, the time period may be longer if it is not your first DUI.
What impact does a DUI have on my license?
Your driver's license will be suspended or revoked for a set time. Depending on the state, this can range from 30 days to a year or longer. Some states will allow limited driving privileges to drive to and from work.
Non-driving professional licenses can also be revoked after a DUI depending on:
- the type of crime committed
- number of offenses
- steps taken post-conviction to recover
- licensing board
Licensing and motor vehicle bureaus are responsible to ensure the people granted licenses have the public's interest in mind. There are often probationary periods where your license is suspeneded but depending on your actions, can be reinstated.
Lean on New Directions for Your Assessment Needs
New Directions has provided professional DUI assessments online throughout the United States for over 15 years. If you have more questions regarding what to do after dui, contact our team.
We can also provide guidance in some rare cases where we are unable to provide an assessment because of state restrictions.
For more guidance and details on what an alcohol evaluation is, browse our related blog articles:
- Alcohol and Drug Assessments for Court: 8 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Service
- What Happens During Drug or Alcohol Assessment?
- Common Legal Charges Related to Alcohol That Require Assessments
- Austin Texas Alcohol Evaluations & Assessment Guide
- Everything You Need to Know About California's Alcohol Assessments
