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What is the First Thing Someone Charged With DUI in DC Should Do?

When a person is charged with a DUI in Washington, DC, they need to make it a priority to find a DC DUI lawyer. There are other steps that people facing charges can take. To discuss other legal options or learn more about alcohol education courses call and schedule a free consultation today.

First Steps After Receiving a DUI

When a person is arrested for a DUI, the first thing they should do is start researching lawyers who they would consider hiring. If you have the ability and resources to hire a lawyer directly, then you need to look for someone who can represent your interests and properly explain the process to you as well as explain what they could do to help you. A person should focus on researching lawyers who handle DUIs in Washington, DC, who are in DC courts frequently, and who know the process for DC DUIs.

Alcohol Education Courses

When someone is arrested for a DUI, in almost every situation, a judge will order that person to be assessed for an alcohol education course. Although, this is usually not part of a sentence, judges will ask people to enroll in alcohol education courses as a condition for them to be released into the community while their case is pending. Even if you have not been convicted, a judge can still request for you to take an alcohol education course. As you are going through your case, enrollment in an alcohol education course can sometimes help your lawyer negotiate possible resolutions for your case with the prosecutor. Alcohol education courses typically consist of in-person sessions, sometimes one-on-one but most of the time in groups, where you meet with a treatment specialist or an instructor. They will discuss alcohol consumption, how alcohol affects the body, how alcohol affects a person’s ability to drive, how alcohol affects motor skills, and reflexes. An acceptable course for a person who has not previously been charged with a DUI would run for about 10-15 hours.

Advantages of Taking an Alcohol Education Course

Enrollment in an alcohol education course can be a great way to help your lawyer negotiate a favorable resolution with the prosecutor. It will not necessarily get you a better result but it can be part of your negotiation strategy. For instance, if a defense lawyer finds and stresses weaknesses in the government’s case, and combines this with the defendant being enrolled in alcohol education; your attorney can develop a strong defense. It can help for your attorney to show the prosecutor you take the situation seriously and you are less likely to get arrested again. Enrollment in an alcohol education class is never considered an admission of guilt, so it is never used against you. No prosecutor or judge will ever say that because you are enrolled in an alcohol class or treatment that means that you recognize that you must have done something wrong. It can only help you, not hurt you.