Advantages of Proactive DUI Treatment
Nobody ever plans on getting arrested for a DUI, but it happens. If you are going out for a meal or for a drink it is best to have a plan to get home safely. A designated driver is always great, a trusted friend or loved one can also be called for a ride, and of course Uber or Lyft is a good choice too.
Unfortunately, at times, people make a mistake and do drive impaired. Those who get behind the wheel while intoxicated open themselves up to a host of dangers in addition to a possible DUI charge.
When charged with a DUI, it’s normal to feel frightened, overwhelmed, and guilty. However, if you want to achieve a favorable outcome for your case, taking proactive DUI treatment is a great step in the right direction. You’ll not only get treatment, but you will also help your case in court and maybe even impress the judge handling your case.
Benefits of a Proactive DUI Treatment
It saves you a lot of money.
While DUI treatment can run in the thousands, consider it money well-spent. If anything, the money you spend on DUI treatment is an investment in your health and future. Any way you look at it, getting DUI treatment is a wiser option than suffer additional costs, losses, and penalties in the future.
It can help you face your issues and address them as soon as possible.
Whether you like it or not, once you get arrested for DUI, most people would assume (friends, family, employers, and even police officers) that you have a problem with alcohol. If there is a problem and you face the problem head-on with treatment, you are well on your way to beating the problem.
It can help your attorney negotiate a lesser sentence.
Getting DUI treatment proactively also shows the prosecution that you are willing to take responsibility for your situation. Being proactive also gives your lawyer some leverage to obtain a reduced charge for you.
Other Ways You Can Be Proactive
Apart from getting DUI treatment voluntarily, here are other ways you can be proactive:
Attend a DUI-DWI school before trial.
If you attend a DUI-DWI school at your lawyer’s recommendation, you’ll likely enjoy several benefits. For instance, if there’s an administrative suspension of your license, attending a class might help you get your driver’s license again.
Completing a DUI-DWI class is also a possible part of your sentence if proven guilty. If you have completed a DUI class, you’ll have one less thing to take care of once the case is resolved in court.
Ensure you have enough funds available to cover the cost of your criminal defense.
Once arrested for DUI or DWI, expect to spend a significant amount throughout the entire process. Ordinarily, you need to pay for fees and other related expenses during your case, which can take a year (or longer).
Expenses can include money for your bail and professional fees for experts, investigators, couriers, field sobriety experts, etc. Expect that you’ll also miss work on some days, resulting in loss of income.
Keep a flexible schedule for court proceedings.
One of the most challenging things you have to deal with is recognizing how little control you or your lawyer have over the scheduling. The judge will set the court’s schedule, and you may have to find a way to be in court for the proceedings regardless of your work or personal schedule.
However, practices can vary from one courtroom to another. While some Judges will require you to be around each time your case is heard, others will accept a waiver signed by you and exempt you from attending certain hearings.
Conclusion
When arrested for DUI, getting DUI treatment proactively is one of the best ways you can show the court and everyone else that you are taking matters seriously and taking responsibility for your actions.
If you have questions about the legal process or treatment options please call the Law Office of Mark Rosenfeld.
