An Atlanta DUI arrest and the subsequent court proceedings can be a frustrating experience, not only for the person charged, but also for their spouse, parents, partner, or other family members. Parents worry that their child could have made a mistake that will affect their future. Spouses worry that the loss of a driver's license could mean harsh economic consequences for the entire family. There are serious consequences to a DUI conviction, and they are not limited to just the individual who has been arrested.
People often experience a great deal of anxiety when they are faced with the prospect of a DUI conviction. They may be concerned about their criminal record, job, car insurance, or the stigma they may face if others find out about the charges.
A DUI arrest can affect a whole family. If one member loses driving privileges, there can be economic and practical consequences for all members. If your spouse, partner, child or loved one is facing DUI charges, there are many resources available to help you not only provide support, but also to deal with the challenges you're facing. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Thousands of families are face the same situation every year and are able to successfully put this experience behind them.
Sometimes a DUI is a symptom of a larger, very serious problem, such as alcohol or drug dependence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a national organization dedicated to the research and treatment of substance abuse and mental health issues. SAMHSA provides a way to search its directory online to find local treatment centers and support groups. Additionally, it runs a 24/7 free of cost treatment referral telephone service that you can access by dialing 1 (800) 622-HELP (4357).
Other times a DUI is the result of an isolated mistake and the chief concerns are dealing with more practical consequences such as daily transportation, employment concerns, ability to pay fines/fees, and car insurance rates. Parents may have concerns as to how their child's current and future education may be affected by a conviction. A DUI arrest can affect many different areas of life, but there are many steps to take to mitigate the negative consequences. These include setting up a payment plan for fines, ways to re-work auto insurance to avoid high rates, examining an employment contract, working with university administrators and much more.
While this may sound overwhelming, you do not have to navigate this process alone. An experienced DUI attorney can walk you through not only the legal strategy for your loved one's case, but also examine the individual concerns you may have related to the arrest and point you in the right direction. Also, it is important to remember that an arrest is not a conviction. If you are helping someone cope with a DUI arrest, give my office a call. My experienced team will guide you to the first step to take so that you and your family can move forward.