Mentally Processing a DUI Arrest

Unlike many crimes, a DUI charge is not one of criminal intent or a depraved mind. In some cases, law enforcement simply makes the “wrong call” on the street and arrests a person who has been drinking alcohol but could nevertheless drive safely. In other cases, a productive law-abiding citizen simply had one bad night and made a decision to drive after having “one too many.”

You Can and Will Survive This

Many clients come to us having fallen prey to feelings that the situation is hopeless or that their “life is over.” You may be experiencing gnawing feelings of regret and remorse as well as a fear of the unknown. There is no question that being arrested and charged with a DUI is a stressful experience. However, having the right counsel and taking affirmative steps to tackle the problem head-on is key to securing the best possible outcome.

You Are Not Alone

The charge of Driving Under the Influence is among the most prolific charges brought by the government against its citizens. Last year, the total arrests for DUI in the State of Florida exceeded 44,000. This fact is worth remembering as you move forward in navigating the legal system. You need not “reinvent the wheel” or feel as if you are solely the first person to have to defend themselves against such an allegation. To the contrary, because of the commonality of this charge and our focus on this particular area of the law, our law office has developed strategies, practices, and the know-how to effectively help our clients. We know that good people are arrested for DUI. In fact, a DUI charge can happen to anyone.

Notable Figures Arrested for DUI

Consider just a few public personalities who have had their lives interrupted by a DUI charge:

• President George W. Bush
• Roger Clinton (brother of
• President Bill Clinton)
• Stephen Jennings (President of the University of Evansville)
• Keanu Reeves (Actor)
• Chris Pine (Actor)
• Vince Vaughn (Actor)
• Craig Robinson (Comedian/Actor)
• Haley Joel Osmont (Actor)
• Michelle Rodriguez (Actress)
• Debby Ryan (Actress)
• Justin Timberlake (Musician)
• Flo Rida (Musician)
• Justin Bieber (Musician)
• Brian Williams (Football Player)
• Michael Phelps (Olympic Swimmer)
• Tiger Woods (Professional Golfer)
• Sam Shepard (Pulitzer Prize Winning Author)

Recent crime statistics place the number of DUI arrests in the United States at close to 1 million. However, as the above list illustrates, a DUI charge is not necessarily a barrier to continuing success in a person’s job and at home.

Knowledge and Action: The Antidote to Anxiety

You are likely anxious and fearful for the future. You may also be ashamed, humiliated, or angry. This is completely normal and healthy. However, simply dwelling on these feelings will only produce more stress. We want to help our clients process their DUI charge and to deal with it constructively. To do this, we first educate our clients and then formulate a plan with concrete, practical steps designed to better their individual situation.

When you consult with a qualified DUI defense attorney who has extensive experience handling DUI charges in Pinellas County, you may experience greater piece of mind. We can answer your immediate questions and find out what is most important to you. We can evaluate the strength of the evidence and the possibility of seeking a reduction of the charge or in litigating certain matters. Because we are in court every day and only handle cases in Pinellas County, we will immediately know which Judge your case has been assigned to. As a result, we can tell you how that Judge may evaluate the facts and circumstances of your particular charge. We can also provide advice on the specific things to expect.

Translating that knowledge into action designed to better your situation is likewise critical to easing your anxiety. We can direct you on the specific steps that you should take immediately and in the future. These steps will be oriented around the goals of keeping you driving, securing a hardship license, completing court obligations in advance, and strengthening your case for court.

We have helped many thousands of individuals charged with DUI in Pinellas County. It all starts with a free consultation. We will hear you out, ask the right questions, and provide the answers that you need. Let us shoulder the burden of your DUI charge and assist you with moving forward from here.