If you got a DUI, then it can be overwhelming. It can have a huge effect on your outlook, your job opportunities, your finances, reputation, and more. However, that does not mean that hope is lost. You still have options to handle it in the best way possible. If you do, you can put yourself in a better situation going forward regardless of your DUI. Here are a few things you should be doing right now.
Contact a DUI Lawyer
No matter whether you feel you are guilty or not, always contact a lawyer when you receive a DUI. They will help you navigate the courts so that you get a fair consequence. Getting a DUI doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. But it does mean that you have an action to answer for. They can help you in a number of ways. First, everything you say can and will be used against you by the courts and police. Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime. Those that are tasked with enforcing the rule against that act take it seriously. A lawyer helps you determine what you should and should not do in unfamiliar situations.
They can even advise you on what questions you must answer or not. The legal system is particular about documentation and it can be pretty complicated to someone who has never been through it all before. Your lawyer will know significantly more about the process and paperwork involved. A DUI lawyer can also help you deal with the outcome of your case. They can make sure you understand just what is expected of you so you can avoid further legal trouble. You want someone on your side who is paid to do one thing: defend you and make the best of your situation no matter what.
Deal with The Consequences
There are a lot of downsides to getting a DUI. It can be frustrating to accept them. However, regardless of what the court orders, you need to comply. This might involve doing community service, paying fines, or getting your license reinstated. Look up information on how to complete these items in the necessary time. That way you can put this in your past.
It’s also important to stay positive. If you’re lucky enough to only get community service or a fine as a punishment for your DUI, be grateful. Be enthusiastic about your opportunity to prove to the court that you realize how seriously you take your case and how much you want to change.
Avoiding a DUI in the Future
There is not just one thing that leads to a DUI. Often, it is preceded by a night of small decisions that lead up to a worse outcome. It starts by not preparing with a ride service or designated driver. Set a cutoff for you when you drink and don’t get behind the wheel after a night of revelry.
According to MADD, 29 people die as a result of drunk driving incidents in America every day. If you’re lucky enough to avoid killing yourself or someone else and becoming part of this statistic, work hard to never put yourself in that position again. Plan ahead. If you know you’re going to go out and drink, make plans to get home safely while you’re sober. This will help you make better decisions while drunk.
When it comes to getting a DUI, it is something that no one wishes will happen to them. However, if you find yourself in this situation, it is crucial to act right, act fast, and be proactive in the future. Making the correct moves helps you avoid the major downsides while putting your life back on track. So don’t make your situation worse than it is. Do these three things right away if you get a DUI and breathe a sigh of relief.
This article was written by Dixie Somers, a freelance writer who loves to write for business, finance, and family issues. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find Dixie on Facebook.
