If you’re facing a DUI charge, there are many reasons to seek help. These services can help you avoid additional charges, such as driving under the influence and may even help reduce your insurance costs. Education classes can also teach you about the dangers of driving under the influence.
Reducing charges to reckless or negligent driving
When getting DUI services in Lexington, many clients ask whether they can get their charges dropped to a less severe offense. This is an understandable question because a DUI conviction has consequences beyond the court fees and fines. It can jeopardize future employment, cause your insurance rates to skyrocket, and affect your driving privileges. One common way to get a DUI charge dropped is to accept a plea deal. Your attorney and the prosecutor negotiate these deals. Most states allow for these kinds of plea deals. However, some states prohibit them. Regardless, most people can get their charges reduced through a good lawyer. In a typical case, a DUI reduction to reckless or negligent driving would result in lower acceptable, lower court fees, and no license suspension. In addition, the defendant might have a clean driving record.
Reducing insurance costs
The financial consequences can be costly when you have been convicted of a DUI. Not only will you need to pay fines and court fees, but you will also need to get new insurance and make changes in your life. The good news is that there are several ways to reduce your costs. For example, you can bundle your home and car coverage, or you may want to consider purchasing a more affordable vehicle. Also, you can install safety features like steering wheel locks and airbags. While these options won’t get you free insurance, they will at least reduce your monthly payments. You can also talk to your insurer about adding additional safety features, such as an alarm system. Insurance companies look at various factors to determine your rates, including your age, gender, location, and driving record. A clean record is considered a low-risk driver and is less likely to cause a rate increase.
DUI education classes discourage drinking
One of the best ways to avoid DUI is to attend a DUI education program. These classes are offered by trained professionals who will teach participants about the dangers of drinking and driving. They also show them how to make responsible decisions.
There are different types of DUI education programs, and each aims to give you the tools you need to stay on the right track. The program may require you to take a particular course or opt for voluntary enrollment. You should be aware that not all classes will be geared toward your needs. For instance, a class on the legal side of DUI may not be for you. A therapist in the classroom will offer tools and advice to help you stay off the road. If you have an alcohol addiction, the course may also recommend additional treatment options to address the underlying causes of your substance abuse.
DUI counseling involves substance abuse treatment assessment
If you have been charged with a DUI (driving under the influence), you will likely be ordered to undergo an alcohol and drug assessment. It will determine whether you are at risk for reoffending and provide you with treatment recommendations. You may also need to participate in a diversion program. An alcohol and drug evaluation can help you avoid jail time and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. This evaluation is conducted by an addictions counselor, usually a licensed professional. The initial assessment will be about an hour and a half long. During the assessment, the evaluator will ask about your medical, psychiatric, and social history. Your answers to these questions will be compared to your chemical test results.
Court-mandated DUI treatment
Court-mandated DUI treatment offers help for alcohol misuse and dependence, and it helps prevent repeat offenses. Treatment programs for DUI offenders vary in length, intensity, and frequency. They can include inpatient care with extensive aftercare, a single-session intervention, and multi-component programs implemented over several weeks. Treatment can be a combination of psychotherapy, counseling, and educational methods. These programs may or may not be financed by insurance. The benefits of court-mandated treatment programs vary and may depend on the nature of the drinking problem, the offense’s severity, and the offender’s personal history.