In many first DUI cases, a court-ordered addiction treatment program may be an alternative to spending time in jail. In this way, first-time DUI offenders have an opportunity to overcome their addiction and return to being productive members of society.
At Sierra Sage Recovery Services (SSRS), first-time DUI offenders benefit from an outpatient or inpatient environment, depending on their needs. We simultaneously treat co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health issues to ensure lasting recovery. Learn more about our programs at SSRS by calling 833.922.2884 or using the convenient online form provided.
Steps to Take After Getting Your First DUI Charge
If a person gets arrested for driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or more, they may need to attend DUI rehab. Initially, the individual will be taken to jail. Upon release from jail, they must appear in court for sentencing.
First-time DUI offenders may receive a light sentence that includes community service in addition to spending time in rehab. After fulfilling the sentence, their driver’s license may be reinstated. However, the charge will remain on their driving record for years. The length of time varies by state, but some states remove the offense after ten years.
Someone who has never received a DUI charge may be unsure what their first steps should be. If you are in this position, here are some things you should do:
Get a Lawyer
Court proceedings can be quite confusing and intimidating for an inexperienced person. If you don’t understand the process, you may worsen your situation. The best way to avoid this is to seek an attorney with experience with DUI cases.
Report to Court
Most states require first DUI offenders to appear in court within 30 days of the arrest. Failure to show up on the designated date can result in serious, costly legal trouble.
Carry Out the Sentence
If you were ordered to pay fines, attend classes, spend time in jail, or attend DUI rehab, you must abide by the sentencing if you hope to get your license reinstated and avoid legal complications.
Obtain SR-22 Insurance
Most states require first-time DUI offenders to carry SR-22 automobile insurance for a minimum of three years. If you allow the insurance to lapse, your license may be suspended.
Is Court-Ordered DUI Rehab Effective?
DUI rehab may be an outpatient or inpatient program, depending on the severity of the addiction. Each program varies in length from 30 days to one year or more. In most cases, the longer a person remains in treatment, the greater their chance of lasting recovery.
During DUI rehab, you are educated about the dangers of substance abuse. Also, you will learn effective coping skills to help you maintain sobriety after completing the DUI rehab program.
A DUI rehab program is effective because it offers various classes, activities, and counseling groups to help you manage the negative behaviors and thought patterns that lead to substance use. For instance, you may attend some or all of the following:
- Group and individual counseling
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)
This comprehensive approach to treatment seeks to address co-occurring disorders such as substance use and mental health problems. The goal is to help people recognize the underlying reasons for their drug or alcohol use. Only then can they cultivate effective strategies for living a sober lifestyle.
Help Yourself or a Loved One with Sierra Sage Recovery Services
At SSRS, we understand the connection between SUD and mental health problems. The disorders often go hand-in-hand, and it isn’t easy to overcome one without addressing the other. Our program is designed to address both disorders simultaneously to ensure lasting recovery for our clients.
Whether you need a court-ordered addiction treatment program or are seeking treatment on your own, we can help. Call 833.922.2884 today to learn more about Sierra Sage Recovery Services programs.
