What to do After Getting a DUI

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and fact-checked by an addiction expert.

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and fact-checked by an addiction expert.

Table of Contents

Should I Panic? 

Life is full of unexpected surprises, both good and bad. When faced with a stressful situation, it’s important to remember that panicking won’t help anything. 

Take a deep breath and recognize that this moment may only be temporary. Doing your best to assess the situation can help you get a better handle on the matter and work out a plan for fixing it or moving past it. 

While it may feel overwhelming at first, try to remain calm so you can gather your ideas and think clearly. 

You don’t have to take on issues alone; reach out for support from your friends, family, or professionals if needed. With some insight and support, these troubles can become more manageable.

Should I Call a Lawyer? 

When facing a legal issue, it can be intimidating and overwhelming to know where to turn next. By calling an experienced lawyer, you can get the personalized advice that you need to make your best decision. 

Whether it is navigating contract negotiations, understanding the ins and outs of estate planning, or other legal topics, good counsel from an experienced professional can provide clarity as well as reassurance in a challenging time. 

Moreover, having personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances ensures that you have all of the information available to make the best possible decision for your situation. 

Making sure that you are informed and comfortable with the next steps in any legal process will lead to peace of mind when facing a legal issue.

Should I Cooperate With the Police? 

When dealing with law enforcement, it can be difficult to know how to best cooperate while also protecting your rights. 

The most important thing you can do is remain respectful, but keep in mind that even if you are being cooperative, the police may still arrest you and use something you said against you later. 

It’s smart to politely decline when questioned until you have legal counsel present. Your rights extend beyond the penal code; respect any requests coming from the police and comply with any orders, but never admit guilt or make any statement that could incriminate you. 

If a friendly conversation does arise, bear in mind that anything you say or sign may be used as evidence in court. Be aware of your words and remember that although cooperating is important, protecting your interests first is paramount.

Get Support From Those Who Care About You

Being supported by the people we live with can make a big impact on how well we manage difficult events, so it’s important to communicate with your family or roommates when you get home from something that put you in an emotional state. 

It might not feel comfortable opening up about what happened, but understanding and kindness from the people we love can go a long way towards helping us process our emotions. 

Having the ability to express ourselves with those we trust is one of the most powerful tools for resilience and healing.

Relax and de-stress as much as you can 

Taking some time for yourself is incredibly important right now! Taking a break to rest, relax, and process what just happened is one of the best investments you can make in yourself. 

This could mean going outside for a short walk and enjoying nature’s beauty, taking time to listen to your favorite podcast or music, or simply taking a few minutes to be still with your own thoughts. 

Self-care is an essential part of thriving mentally and emotionally during stressful times – take this opportunity to practice it for your own well-being.

Look for DUI Education Classes

If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you’ll likely be asked to complete DUI education classes. It’s important to comply with these requirements. 

We can help you with this aspect of resolving a DUI. Cornerstone DUI provides DUI assessments and courses for those who have found themselves facing charges of Driving While Intoxicated. 

Sources

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[2] Source

Originally Published: 1/18/2023

 

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dane perikly dui writer headshot

Dane Perikly

DUI Education and Recovery Writer

Dane is the Director of Virtual services at Cornerstone. He also contributes factual guides on DUI education so that you can understand all there is to know about DUI laws, DUI education, getting through the process of dealing with a DUI, and getting back on the road.
lionel estrada lisac clinical director

Clinical Reviewer, Clinical Director

Lionel, a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC) with over 4 years at Cornerstone. Passionate about helping those with addiction, he has trained as an EMDR therapist  adopting a trauma-informed approach to treat the underlying issues of addiction, providing an empathetic approach to addiction.

Articles written prior to August 2023 were also clinically reviewed by Karen Williams, LPC 

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