Why Your DUI Lawyer Wants You Involved in Certain Programs

A DUI arrest may seem like the worst moment of your life, but life can get more difficult without legal guidance and informed choices. Lawyers will often encourage their clients to take part in a program approved by the state for people charged with alcohol- and drug-related crimes. Here are a few reasons lawyers suggest their clients take advantage of these opportunities.

Potentially Reduce Penalties

Court leniency may be easier to get if the judge believes you accept your mistake and want to prevent future incidents. The willingness to accept the offer of undertaking an impaired driver program may help to show the effort you are taking. DUI offenders may even avoid serving any time in jail if they complete an alcohol rehabilitation program, which they otherwise may have to serve.

Get Provisional Licensing

As an Idaho driver with a DUI charge, you need to know that a conviction may mean an automatic suspension of your license.

It is possible to obtain a restricted drivers license under certain conditions.

A conditional license will include restrictions for when you can drive. For example, you may be able to drive to and from work or school, to medical appointments, and for some additional pre-specified reasons.

Satisfy Employer Requirements

Employers in Idaho cannot refuse to hire someone or fire someone because they learn of a prior arrest or conviction. The law only allows companies to fire employees if the arrest and pending conviction occur during their time of employment with the business. Some people try to hide an arrest from their employer, but this effort could backfire.

Your employer will probably learn about the arrest because of lost work time due to court hearings, public postings of local arrests, and your sudden inability to drive. If your employer believes you hid the truth to avoid any repercussions at work, they may feel they can no longer trust you. 

An employer may take a less heavy-handed approach with you when you admit your mistake upfront. Show you are taking responsibility for the incident through appropriate programs available to you. No one can guarantee you will not face termination because every employer is different. However, honesty and the effort to correct your mistake is usually the best opportunity you have to instil confidence in your employer. 

Prevent Future Mistakes

People with prior DUI arrests have the potential to re-offend. Repeat offenders make up almost one-third of the drivers arrested for drunk-driving each year. The punishments for repeat DUI offenders are often more severe with each arrest. Alcohol rehabilitation programs are used to discourage people from continuing their risky behaviors so they can avoid higher penalties and possible jail time. 

Your lawyer may recommend classes to assist you in making necessary life changes to avoid future legal concerns. As helpful as the classes may be in reducing some repercussions of DUI charges, they are even more beneficial if people understand how to avoid the same mistakes again. The classes can also educate drivers on the legal risks of repeat offenses.

Lawyers will always do everything possible to help their client prove their innocence. The recommendations for court-approved programs will take place when there is no chance of a not-guilty verdict or dropped charges. At Hart Law Offices, PC, we want to help to reduce the impact of a DUI arrest on your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.