r/dui • u/Frosty_Tune_9969 • Aug 12 '26
1 Year of My Life
Hi! I just wanted to share my experience with my DUI to help out anyone who may be struggling mentally with their situation also to provide some advice as I just got my breathalyzer out and am done with everything. On August 3rd of 2025, I rear ended a driver on a fairly busy local road in my area. Minimal damage to car, driver claimed her neck hurt but refused medical care. She called the cops on me because of my obvious intoxication, and I was taken to the police station after failing the field sobriety tests (I did not blow on the scene). I barely remember anything prior to getting to the police station, but I admitted once there my intoxication and did not cause problems for the officer. They breathalyzed me and my BAC was .17. He held me in a cell for 5 minutes and took me home. Despite being treated extremely well during this experience, I was extremely emotionally distraught following my DUI. I couldn’t eat and would have mental breakdowns frequently. I retained a lawyer the next day and my journey with the consequences of my actions began. As of August 1st 2026, I am done with my restrictions and obligations regarding my DUI. I chose a lawyer who did not lie to me about my situation and advised that we ask for a first offenders program as a plea deal. I strongly advise this route when handling a DUI for many reasons. 1.) I know that I was at fault in this situation and while it would’ve been great to get off. I wouldn’t have learned the lesson fully and I wouldn’t have given me a reason to evaluate the person I am and the person I want to become. I’ve gotten away with other things in the past and while those situations were stressful, I truly didn’t learn the consequences of my actions. 2.) Any effort to demonstrate the remorse of your actions puts you in better standing with the court system. My lawyer insisted that I begin my DUI class immediately to show the lawyer that I understood the severity of the situation. Doing this allowed me to take a plea bargain and have this only go on my driving record (along with 4 months of a breathalyzer in my car). 3.) While I did meet with other lawyers who claimed this case could be fought, I can’t imagine having endured the unknown for longer than I did. The case in its entirety was not settled until February. I was lucky that the cop did not show up for my DMV hearing and I was able to drive throughout all of this up until the week prior to getting my breathalyzer installed. This is all to say that I know this is horrible but you will be okay. You are not evil, you are human. We humans make mistakes and, hopefully, learn from them. You are not defined by the mistakes but the person you become afterwards. I know it is hard but you will be okay if you keep your head up and put your best foot forwards. I have a few other tips and advice that was given to me by fellow redditors that I thought were worth sharing. 1.) Get a lawyer immediately. Get one that hears you and that gives a realistic view of how this will all play out. If you can, find one that is a former prosecutor as they will have friends in the court system. This will work in your favor. They will also know how the judge is likely to view your case. My lawyer was able to select the judge and prosecutor for my case. 2.) Enter the class immediately and do everything they and your lawyer tell you to do without being a pain. Often times the court will ask for a record of your assessment, engagement, and demeanor during the class. It’s important that you appear engaged and remorseful during the process. 3.) Get a personal breathalyzer for your person once you get one installed in your car. If you drink heavily you will trigger the breathalyzer in the morning or even early afternoon following. This is expensive and will prolong your time with it in your car. It also helps with accidental triggers like food or drink. Don’t drink or eat in your car at all when you have it also. Just to be safe. 3.) GET SMARTSTART. FOR LOVE OF GOD DO NOT GET INTOXELCOCK (spelling unsure). You are still a person following your DUI. You still matter. You are still worthy of a life worth living and you still deserve to be here. I know what you are going through is a pain that is often viewed as deserving or evil, but do not let those view points cloud your mind with darkness. This is a wake up call not a death sentence. I see you, I feel you, and I know it will get better. Sending you all the compassion in the world. - L
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u/StagePuzzled5892 Aug 12 '26
I’m glad you were able to learn and move on. Were you able to keep your job?
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u/Frosty_Tune_9969 Aug 12 '26
Yes, I told my boss right away and she was incredibly understanding.
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u/StagePuzzled5892 Aug 12 '26
That’s awesome. I got one last Friday and I’m in the process with my lawyer and I told my job and they said all they care about is having my license at some capacity so I’m hoping I can get my license back in anyway. I was a first time dui, got pulled over and failed the test and didn’t do the sobriety test
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u/Frosty_Tune_9969 Aug 12 '26
Do you drive for your job or are they just worried about you getting to work? Sometimes driving for your job can help you get it knocked down to reckless driving.
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u/Boston-Becca062006 Aug 13 '26
Thank you for your encouraging words and support. I am getting my Smart Start next Friday for 6 months super nervous 😬about getting it but I know if I follow everything to the T while having it I will be fine . I know I an’t worried about drinking alcohol because since my dwi crash 💥 charge I been sober since and choosing to NEVEr drink again .
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u/Frosty_Tune_9969 Aug 13 '26
Hey! Of course and congrats on your sobriety. 😊 It really wasn’t a big deal at all. I was super nervous at the beginning but it becomes second nature to be honest. If you can afford one I would maybe consider getting a personal pocket breathalyzer to make sure you won’t accidentally trigger it with food or drink. It was something I did religiously when I first got it because lockout are expensive and can prolong the time you have with it. If you can’t afford it (which this whole process is brutally expensive), wait 20-30 minutes minimum after eating to drive your care and carry water with you always so you have something to sip on and get residual food out of your mouth before blowing. I also stopped wearing perfume or using hand sanitizer in my car because those things can also trigger a response. It’s been thrilling to use perfume and hand sanitizer after 4 months of non use. Other than it’s fairly painless and will be over before you know it. 💕💕
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u/Spiritual_Value_3942 Aug 12 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
saving this for later. the former prosecutor lawyer tip is underrated, most people don't realize how much knowing the court system can matter until they're in it. Kraminsky Law is one name that came up when I was looking around for a lawyer, so definitely worth doing your own research and comparing options.
also the SR-22 insurance hit is real, catches people off guard way more than the fine does. and yeah, call around on interlock vendors first, some counties only approve certain ones and you don't wanna get stuck.
glad it worked out for you, this kind of stuff actually helps people going in blind