dui

[brooke]

I was arrested for dui last december. My boyfriend had recently gotten a dui from a rookie cop in the parking lot of our apartment?! Anyway I had 2 drinks and then left my boyfriend's office christmas party. I told him just to call me when he was ready to leave and i would come back and get him. Right before I left I did a shot of liquer. I was pulled over for pausing at a left turn signal???? The cop asked if I'd been drinking and i told him I'd had 2 drinks. He asked me if my boyfriend had just recently gotten a dui and i said yes. he asked me to get out and i went through the field sobriety tests. I passed them all but he asked me to sit in the back of the police car anyway. i asked him why since i had passed all the tests. he and another cop searched my boyfriends truck for about 15 to 20 minutes until they found an old empty beer bottle in the back of the car and they arrested me. I was fine but by the time I got back to the station i guess that liquer shot had hit my system because i registered .16 . I have a lawyer and he got the case transferred to county but i still have no court date and am scared

[ThisTooShallPass]

Hi Brooke,

First, do know that it's going to be OK. I have had two DUIs, and believe me--it's easy to get them. The ol' "didn't-know-the-alcohol-hit-me" is what happened to me. Additionally, I was going through enormous stress and tribulation, and my judgment was off-kilter those two times I met up with friends. I rarely drink, too. I only drink perhaps once a month, if that.

Doesn't matter, though. The world likes things black and white; makes it easier for them to (a) categorize and process things, just like running cattle through the slaughterhouse (and making revenue, which is really more why DUIs are so easy to get anymore; it's the profit over principle attitude), and (b) they can then judge you for your mistake/bad decision.

The point is, no one has the right to judge anyone. Remember that. You are the sum of ALL you've done in life, both good and bad--not just bad! Most people in life have driven and drank, and just didn't get caught, Brooke. They were just LUCKY. They hide their skeletons in the closet, and then have the hypocritical audacity to shake their fingers at you.

Just focus on the people who truly know YOU. They know you're a good person who simply made a bad decision (like all people do, whether it's a DUI or not).

Now, as for your situation, technically speaking, each state and judge is different. More specifically, the judge's mood and whether he is up for re-election, plays a role, unfortunately. But, at the same time, that can play in your favor, if he is NOT up for re-election and is not trying to show the public and MADD revenue makers that he can throw the book at DUI offenders. I am sure most judges have drank while driving (and I've read articles of many whom have), but God forbid if they ever admit it! In fact, there was a Cali female judge who threw the book at two famous people (gave them the max sentence), and two weeks later, got HERSELF A DUI, thank you very much.

Same goes for MADD people; if they're even putting on mascara, shoving a hamburger down their throat, cranking their head to yell at their kids--you know what? They're just as guilty as a drunk driver who swerves all the same. Risk is risk, and everybody's done it at some point. We shouldn't split hairs on what is more of a risk; risk is risk, and they've dipped their toe in the waters of risk probably a million times, driving while eating, blabbing on a cell, putting on makeup, etc. Again, hypocrites.

Is it wrong to drink and drive? Yes. But we should not judge anyone. It's not our job. It's our job, as Galatians 6:1 states (in lamen's terms), that if someone "sins," it is our duty to help that person, and not criticize them, as well as watch our own self while we help that person, lest we sin too! So, just let anyone know that fact, if they try to get on their high horse with you about your mistake, hun.

Now, anyway, my 1st DUI, I got the minimum. Getting a lawyer is key. Getting someone that knows that area, the judges, etc., helps, obviously. Mine happened by accident, actually; I didn't know he knew the judges and such. I had nothing on my record--not a drop, so that helped, too. It's odd you still haven't gotten a court hearing or whatever, after all this time! I find that very strange...

I lost my license for 6 months, and had to attend a 3-day DIP course at a hotel. It wasn't bad, actually. The only problem is (a) getting up in the morning and having to stay awake all day in a classroom (since I am used to working at night), and (b) the expense (which proves once again it's all a money-maker anymore). The good thing is you DO learn things about drinking, your health, etc. But you also, more importantly, meet great people.

There were 67 people in my class, of all ages and sizes, classes, colors, etc. It makes you realize that you're not alone. It makes you realize you're HUMAN and you are on this planet to make mistakes--not on straight purpose, mind you. But we have issues, we have depression, we have distortions, we have stress--and all come together and result in mistakes throughout our life. Our judgment becomes altered--it happens.

Unfortunately, I got a 2nd DUI, two years later, and the ironic part is I was DRIVING A COP HOME WHO WAS TOO DRUNK TO DRIVE. Heh. The more ironic thing is I was trying to make sure he wouldn't drive, for fear he would lose his job, being a cop. He was trying to go home, and wouldn't give up his keys for 10 minutes (he didn't know this, and is a wonderful person, but was just very drunk). He was staggering everywhere. I finally got the keys from him...and got pulled over. I know it was because I was driving slow, which is what they put on the ticket. Yes, slow. They will try to pull you over for whatever they can grasp at, my dear. This gives them the excuse to nab you for a DUI. I was within the lines and everything, but because I was doing 10 under, they nabbed me.

Anyway, I did learn to just refuse to ever drive anywhere I think I might have a drink. I have put my foot down with that ever since. It is just too easy to get a .08 or above. That is what I learned. Just for the record, even the judge for the 2nd DUI didn't think I had a problem. He felt I just made isolated misjudgments for each evening. He was very understanding. I wrote him a letter and explained my situation, too. I told him how I was going through a legal issue regarding my brother raping me as a child. Additionally, I found a 3rd lump in my breast and lost my job all at the same time. Yeah, that stuff will make anyone stressed, yes? Misjudgments do occur when a human hits his threshold. We all have a limit before we start to misjudge our decisions.

I think if you're seen as a human--an individual-- you will get more respect. They will try to run you through like cattle, but sometimes you get a judge that truly does care and understand and knows people make mistakes--ALL good people do!

All God asks is that you (a) have remorse, and (b) try to make a fervent effort to change your behavior. Just trying is what He asks--you might not always make it, but at least you tried. That is what defines a good person, Brooke--NOT whether you make a mistake or not. Remember that. Do not allow anyone to judge you; they have no right.

You will get through this. It IS a long, arduous road, but taken day by day, it WILL pass. I hate that my DUIs are on my record, but monsters live in the dark more than we realize. Life DOES go on with DUIs. Yes, life will be restrictive, and you might, from time to time, run into judgmental people. But overall, your life will be good.

If it is your first DUI, then see if you can get it expunged once you get through all the repercussions and punishments.

Hope some of this has helped. Sorry I rambled, but I try to reach out to people who make mistakes, and are scared. Take care.

[Guest]

Dear ThisTooShallPass,

Would you happen to have any Sr-22 tips on getting a good price ? Thanks

[bruinnan]

I must agree with 'this too shall pass' (please forgive me, I don't know what else to call you) but it is hard going for some individuals who get a hard judgement. It is in fact, exceedingly easy to get a .08 BAC. It is also incredibly easier to get ANYTHING within that first three years of probation when absolutly NO alchohol could be in your blood.

In my case, I was a very foolish idividual who got a DUI with almost three times the legal limit of alchohol in my system. I crashed my car as well and could have caused so much harm had luck not happened my way and just had me crash my car beyond working order. I think of it as a blessing but I don't think what happened afterwards made much sense to me.

One day and one night in jail (nothing, but it made me crazy in there), a 6 month DUI class, 30 AA meetings, and 10 days at Cal Trans, as well as close to $2000 restitution fees and close to $3000 lawyers fees. Don't count the rise in insurance fees, getting another car, the loss of the old car, etc. Yes, it is more about profit then about finding real solutions to a society that encourages drinking but that is also very mobile with a lousy transit system. After all, if it was really about solutions, they should consider locking devices for all cars. Hey, not a perfect solution but better than just telling people not to drink and drive knowing 75% of people will do it anyways.

It took me close to a year to complete it all. And it was difficult. My finances, my personal life, took a dive. But you do move on.

What I hated about the penalty was that I was made to feel like the most horrible human being in the world. So very flawed that I must make restitution for all my life to make up for how horrible I was, and am, and forever will continue to be.

Nope, the sum of the human being is that they are a human being. Not perfect, but credited with good choices as well as faulty ones. It should be within us all to look to improving ourselves but not by casting our fingers at someone else so no one can see our faults before we've put some work into it.

For Brooke, You will get a court date eventually. Being that your BAC level was not that high, I suspect you will be charged with a minimal restitution fee, perhaps a few AA meetings and perhaps a 3 month or equivalent DUI program. I know of a good one you may try. You may even get community service. I know it will be time consuming and a pain but trust me, it will pass with TIME. Know you are one among so many from all walks of life but you are still unique you.

Take good care of yourself, Brooke, and good luck.

[carolinemichot]

Brooke,



I know that to you, it seems the end of the world!
Trust me, I've been there. My first arrest was a checkpoint and I was barely above the limit, but was booked nonetheless. The second time (never should have been a second time) I was simply lost after leaving a teacher function after dinner having probably 3 glasses of wine. I think he ran my plates and that is why he pulled me over, because I had done nothing other than go slowly, looking for a place to turn around. I had been crying because my son was serving time in Iraq and it was a very emotional time which I had discussed with my friends prior to leaving their home. (Being single makes it even harder, because you have to drive to most social functions alone} I won't even take a sip of wine to this day if I think I may be driving. These offenses have taken a tremendous toll on my professional and personal life, but life does go on. Just, please, don't ever put yourself in this position again!! Good luck!!!!

[sal]

What was the consequence professionally that you occurred. As someone who is working on their credential, i am scared that my DUI will affect me.

[bruinan]

I was working as a teacher when I got my DUI. Somehow, I had managed to hide it for a time.

My contract came up this last month. Non-renewal because of the preschool program I worked in no longer had need of me...nothing to do with my DUI.

But now, I must go out there and try to get another job and teaching is all I love. I am also in a credentialing program in college. How this will effect my teaching, I don't know. But I wanted to assure you that you are not alone.

I also feel it is unfair to make a DUI conviction a real reason for not hiring someone in a profession which does not require operation of a vehicle. I certainly don't drink on the job, do you?

Yeah, I have made many mistakes in my life. Anyone, I mean, ANYONE, can get a DUI, as long as they happen to have .08 of alchohol in them and driving a vehicle. I have also made very bad choices in relationships. Does that indicate that I do not have the ability to teach because I made those mistakes?

Nope.

But I will let you know how it all turns out and please let me know how it all works for you.

Best of luck.

[bucky]

My attorney told me you can be arrested for a DUI even if you blow a .02 into bac.
So why don't the officials just put the level at .02?

[Bader]

In this state, you do not even have to be in a car to get a DUI. just be within 50 feet of your auto with the keys in your pocket and a BAC .08 or above, and you can be arrested. Try to sleep it off outside the bar in your car, and you can be charged with DUI. Ride in a car with somebody who is drunk and YOU also have a BAC of .08, and you WILL be charged with DUI.

It is clear that the aim is to stomp out this offense. I know that I will never flirt with it again.