If you have been charged and convicted of driving under the influence (DUI), you may feel like you have hit rock bottom. While this event may have left a devastating imprint on your mind, it’s not a life sentence. You can use a DUI as a wake-up call to set your life back on track.
Review these tips for putting your life back together after a CO DUI.
Examine Your Life and Pinpoint Where You Can Make Improvements
Your DUI may have been a one-off event, or it may have been the culmination of months or years of drinking problems. Either way, it can indicate areas of your life that need improvement. Take a hard look at your life and think about what changes you should make to regain control, such as:
- Re-evaluating relationships
- Seeking support networks
- Giving up alcohol and drugs
- Going to therapy
- Consulting a financial planner to begin financial recovery
Start a Recovery Program
Even if the court did not mandate a recovery program, consider joining one. Alcohol education programs can help you learn effective methods for working through drinking problems. If nothing else, they give you access to a support network where you can gain accountability to stop bad habits.
Obey All Restrictions Carefully
Take penalties seriously and obey them a T. Do not drive with a suspended license. If the court placed restrictions on your license, only drive during those hours until you gain a license reinstatement.
If the court mandated that you use an ignition interlock device, follow the instructions closely. Consider keeping the device in your car even beyond the required period. It can help you keep driving habits in check and prevent other poor decisions behind the wheel.
Tell as Few People as Possible
One crucial step in putting your life back together after a CO DUI is limiting the number of people you tell. You don’t need to confess the DUI to everyone in your life. Telling as few people as possible can help you avoid unwanted opinions and allow you to keep moving forward.
You may be legally obligated to tell certain people about the DUI, such as future employers or landlords. Employment challenges can arise for jobs that require you to avoid substance use while on official duty. You don’t need to hurt opportunities further by disclosing the DUI to people unnecessarily.
Take it Seriously
A DUI is a serious charge. Whether you believe it was warranted or not, you need to take it seriously and make significant changes to your life. Do not become angry with the police, your attorney, or anyone else involved. Exhibit legal compliance, stay humble, and take the necessary steps to improve your life moving forward.
Churchill DUI Defense Can Help
If you are facing DUI charges and haven’t received a conviction, working with an experienced defense attorney is a vital step in putting your life back together after a CO DUI. The right attorney could help you minimize penalties. Contact Churchill DUI Defense today at (303) 832-9000 for a free consultation.