Throughout our years handling DUI cases, we’re heard more than a few clients say that their “life is over,” after they’ve been arrested and charged with drunk driving. While it can seem like you’re at a low point in life, a DUI charge or conviction isn’t the end of the world. You need to have a healthy mindset about the situation in order to physically and mentally recover after a DUI. In today’s blog, we share tips on how to do just that.
Mentally and Physically Recovering After A DUI Charge
We can’t understate this enough – a DUI charge is not the end of the world. It may be embarrassing, it may become a financial burden and it could have implications for your career, but it’s far from a kiss of death, especially if you know how to navigate life after a DUI charge. Here’s how you should do just that.
1. Collect Yourself – The first 24-48 hours after you’ve been arrested for DUI can feel like a whirlwind. It’s important during this time to take a moment, collect your thoughts and try to figure out your next best steps. This brings us to our next point, which is…
2. Contact A Lawyer – Eve if you’re not sure if you’ll move forward with representation, set up a free consultation with a lawyer in your area. At a minimum, they’ll be able to provide you with a little direction and advice. However, if they believe you have a case, you can hire them on and let them go to work for you. Yes, a lawyer will cost money, but they can also save you thousands of dollars and help you avoid jail time if they help you beat the charges. It can also really help provide you with peace of mind knowing that an expert is working on your legal case.
3. Focus On What You Can Control – There are a lot of uncontrollable factors after a DUI, but try not to focus on these. Control what you can control. Still strive to be a good student or parent, and stay out of trouble moving forward. Most people find they have less stress over the situation if they focus on controlling what they can control in the wake of a DUI arrest.
4. Consider Writing Things Down – Many people find that it helps put their mind at ease if they put pen to paper during this time after a DUI arrest. Some people write down the details of their incident in case the lawyer can use it to help build their case, while others find emotional relief by just writing about their feelings and concerns in the days after the arrest. Express yourself on paper if you’re having a difficult time doing so in person after a DUI arrest.
5. Strive To Change – Finally, make it a point to really learn from the incident and make positive changes going forward. Even if you feel that you were “unlucky” or “barely over the limit,” make sure that you vow to make better choices going forward, even if the charges end up getting reduced or dropped. You’ll feel better about yourself if you learn from mistakes instead of pretending they never happened.
If you need help or advice after a DUI arrest, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today.
