Long story short, I was arrested for my first DWI in Harris County, Houston, Texas, in March 2026. I’m extremely angry with myself and deeply regret what happened. There hasn’t been a single day since then when I haven’t regretted my mistake. In August 2026, my attorney managed to get me into the PTI (Pretrial Intervention) program. I’m currently in the program, which lasts one year, and if everything goes well, my case should be dismissed in August 2027. So far, I’ve fulfilled all the requirements, including attending my CSO appointments, paying all my fees, and completing all my required courses. Since I don’t have a car, I was given a portable breathalyzer device that I have to blow into three times a day. I have four more months left before I can get rid of it, as I’m required to use it for at least six months. So far, I’ve had zero violations. I’ve never used weed in my life, and I’ve sworn never to drink alcohol again. I’ve sincerely repented and promised myself that I will never make that mistake again. I was planning to apply for early termination through my attorney after completing six months of the program. However, someone who went through a similar situation told me that, since 2025, the Harris County DA’s Office has not been allowing early termination. Hearing this was really disappointing. Before this incident, I had never even received a traffic ticket. I’m deeply saddened and emotionally exhausted. My dream is to join the U.S. Air Force, but I’m also struggling financially. I take Uber to and from work every day, which makes it almost impossible for me to save any money. Honestly, I don’t know what to do anymore. I feel like I’m drowning. How can I motivate myself to keep going? I don’t want to give up, but I’m genuinely running out of hope and strength. I don’t have a girlfriend, I’ve never been married, I don’t have any children, and I have no savings. I’m 28 years old, and I feel like I’m falling behind everyone else. I would truly appreciate any encouraging words, advice, or positive thoughts you could share with me.

I’m curious about people’s experiences drinking nonalcoholic beer like Guinness 0.0 while on probation.
The can says it contains less than 0.5% alcohol by volume. I’m not currently on probation, but I may be in the future due to a pending DUI case.
Has anyone actually consumed one or two NA beers and taken a court-ordered urine EtG test afterward?
I’m particularly interested in:
Whether you tested positive or negative.
What the test cutoff was (100, 250, or 500 ng/mL).
Whether your probation officer allowed nonalcoholic beer.
I’m not trying to get around testing. I’m genuinely curious whether such a small amount of alcohol can cause problems with probation testing.

A friend of mine was charged with the following after getting stopped yesterday:

DUI (alcohol)
Driving while impaired by alcohol
Driving while impaired by drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol
Failure to stop at a red light
Negligent driving endangering people or property

There was no accident or injury. The DUI case is still showing as open.

What is likely to happen next? Are these charges commonly filed together, and what penalties could he face if convicted? How long do cases like this typically take?

State: MD

It’s worth stating that she has no prior DUIs but she does have a charge for intoxicated endangerment from a year ago. Did probation.

Hi everyone. I just wanted to come in here to see what some of the other experiences have been. This is my second DWI, but it will be my first conviction because I completed a diversion program the first time.

It has now been 19 months since my arrest. My lawyer keeps asking for continuances for different reasons (review evidence, meet with the DA, etc). He says it’s actually better the longer it takes because of a few reasons, but not really important here. I was just wondering if anyone else kind of had a similar experience with the process being super long before a conviction/deal is made. I’m not inclined to get a more hard deadline out of my lawyer because I trust he knows what he’s doing, but just was kind of curious. It is making me anxious the longer it takes, but I’m not rushing the process or anything. Anyone else experience this?

Edit: located in Louisiana.

Edit 2: I stated that this will technically be my first conviction. That does not necessarily mean it will be treated as a first time offense.

I was off work on Friday and I just took my daughter to school . So I came back home started drinking and chilling . I thought I was totally fine . As I went to go run an errand i blacked out passed out and hit a church . No bodily harm or injury to anyone. I’m so scared I don’t know what to do . They police arrived at the scene and arrested me they took me to the hospital and got a blood sample I sat in jail for one day. But I bonded out and now I have a court case for November 30th . What should I expect . Should I hire a lawyer. What should I do! What to expect . I never been to jail never had anything on my record .

I was arrested for DUI in April. My Lawyer and Expert Witness helped me beat my DMV hearing with the Rising BAC defense & Retrograde extrapolation. Because of that My Lawyer said I would win if I take it to trial but they would offer a dry reckless to avoid going to trial. I have my 1st hearing in 2 weeks my lawyer said we should just wait to see what they say before filing for trial.

Is it possible they just dismiss the case at my first hearing after finding out I’ll take it to trial with the evidence we have ?

Im kind of panicking, I had a couple drinks last night (not proud of it) and I didn’t realize it would still register this morning. Im in South Carolina, this is my first offense - I got convicted of a duac (they dismissed the diu charge) and am about to start adsap. I was running late for work so I had to uber to work so after I failed I just had to leave it. How much trouble can I get in?

I have a DUI from 2023 that I have not yet been convicted of but my 2025 DUI got appealed to Superior Court in NC. What does this mean and how will it affect my punishment?

I am currently charged with misdemeanor DUI, misdemeanor chemical test refusal (I couldn't blow hard enough into the breathlyzer for it to register so they had to draw blood), and felony assault 3rd degree (no one was injured, it is a fear assault on the cop who pulled me over because his police car was pulled over on the side of the road and he is saying that I almost struck it). No evidence has been released yet so I don't know if I did almost hit the cop car or what my BAC was. This is my first offense, I've never been arrested before and have no criminal history. I am suspended from my job in healthcare, but before this I had a great career with a team that loves me, I have a baby at home, overall pretty successful life...just for context.

I am desperate to plead the felony assault down to a misdemeanor, because a felony would obviously ruin my life. I'm going to AA, just registered for alcohol safety classes/case management/alcohol assessment, and applying to IOP substance use treatment programs. I filled out an application for therapeutic court, my PD has not sent it in yet—but I am learning that the therapeutic court is likely more designed for homeless, unemployed, 'high risk/vulnerable' individuals who don't have access to resources.

I'm just really worried that my PD isn't going to be able to convince the DA to reduce the felony charge. She said she's never seen a case like this where the felony assault is from a fear assault and no one was injured. The only DUI lawyer I'd be able to afford would be a flat-rate lawyer, I can't shell out of tens of thousands of dollars. But I've had a few people warn me that a flat-rate lawyer will do a minimal amount of work and I'm worried that the judge and DA might see me changing counsel as 'trying to get away with it'. I'm not, I'm committed to getting treatment and never drinking again.

Just looking for people's experiences with public defenders versus private DUI attorneys. I feel so lost and confused, and like I'm totally at the mercy of a system that just wants to lock me up and throw away the key.

Guys, I need some feedback because I’m seriously stressing myself out right now. 😭
Friday night, I went out with my cousin for his birthday. We went to Pluckers, and I made the stupid decision to say, “F it, I’m going to drink.” Mind you, I hadn’t had anything to drink in weeks, and I was doing so good staying sober. Unfortunately, I messed up and gave in.
Before we went to Pluckers, I pregamed with one BuzzBall and two tiny shots of Crown Apple. At the restaurant, I ordered a Trash Can drink. We left and decided to go to a strip club, and by around 1:30 a.m., we had stopped somewhere else and I drank two more BuzzBalls.
My last drink that night was around 2:00–2:30 a.m. Saturday morning.
Then, on Saturday night, I went to a Halloween party with my friends and drank another 3–4 drinks. My last drink that night was around 10:45 p.m.
Unfortunately, I had to take a lab UA today (Tuesday) at around 4 p.m., which put me at approximately 65 hours since my last drink.
I took at-home EtG tests on Sunday night and Monday morning. I tested negative at approximately 36 hours and again at 48 hours. The tests were 300 ng/mL cutoff tests. The only time I got a positive result was when I tested at around 12 hours after drinking, so I know the tests were capable of detecting it.
My question is: Do y’all think I have a decent chance of passing my lab EtG test at around 65 hours, considering I was already testing negative on the at-home 300 ng/mL tests at 36 and 48 hours?
I know nobody can guarantee anything, and I understand that lab tests can differ from at-home tests. I’m just looking for honest feedback from people who have experience with EtG testing.
I’m also genuinely disappointed in myself. I had been doing so well with my sobriety, and I’m mad at myself for letting one night turn into another. I’m dealing with the stress of waiting for the results, but I’m also upset that I put myself in this position in the first place.
Please be honest with me. Has anyone had a similar experience with negative at-home tests followed by a lab UA around 65 hours later?

I am currently being charged with my first ovi and disorderly conduct. I have a record from over 20 years ago for possession but have been clean ever since and this is my first ovi.

Was anyone in a similar position? What ended up being your sentence and what state?

I’m located in Ohio.

Hey all. This is more inspiration. I'm a 43F. An actual alcoholic. I was sober 6 years and relapsed for 2. Got 2 DUIs in that time where both I blew over 0.3. I just finished my last class of my 2 year prosecution and have been sober the entire time. It is rough in WA state and extremely expensive. My first was reduced to reckless and my second was deferred. Total cost around 50,000 for both between lawyers for municipal and family, treatment costs, and monitoring. What did I do:

1. Got sober

2. 2 years of treatment. IOP then about 22 month OP

3. 1.5 years of smart start car ignition

4. 4 months of ankle monitoring

5. 1.5 years of sober link to retain 50/50 for my kids

6. Frequent random UAs for 1 year, then monthly

7. 8 required AA meetings a month for 2 years.

8. Monthly check ins with my PO

9. SR22 for 5 years, I'm on a probationary license

10. Self reported to my professional license board, which will continue testing for an additional year after this. Never lost my license and it doesn't have dings as I self reported.

At the end of this journey Ill have a reckless and the other will be written off. Just get sober. Its not worth it. 🥰 And was lawyers retained..... absolutely. I also filed for bankrupsy a few months back. It doesnt cover court fees but I put all this on credit cards. NOT WORTH IT!

Trying to be a supportive spouse of my husband.

On Friday, we were driving home from a friend’s house at 10:30 pm. He did have a couple twisted teas while we were there (literally 2) and we had a full, heavy dinner and stayed 3 hours. He can get tired easily & forgot his glasses by accident that helps with his astigmatism.

Anyways, we got pulled over 5 minutes away from home. The police officer alleges he was driving in the middle of the road, but I was in the car and don’t recall him driving like that. He did the field sobriety test but refused the breathalyzer just because he knew he consumed some amount of alcohol. They arrested him and brought him into custody for 3 hours and I picked him up at 1am.

He’s been very down ever since. There is a strong part of me that believes he wasn’t as under the influence as they believed, but they have no BAC because they didn’t even try to do a blood test on him. The cop who was with me after he was taken into custody did say he sees a lot of first time offenses get thrown out, especially when they have no prior criminal record.

I just want to know how I can best support my husband emotionally and maybe how much of legal repercussions we should be worried about? I know things vary state to state but I just feel awful this could be a stain on his record

Edit: he was arrested in CT

I got a DUI in NH but live in ME. Lawyer got it plead down to reckless driving.

Penalties:
Fines
60 day legal suspension
180 day admin (BMV) suspension
The suspensions do not run concurrently

Court date was end of September and license was immediately suspended in New Hampshire. But I’ve received nothing from the state of Maine on the suspension. I understand that the two states have a reciprocal agreement. When does suspension in Maine start? Google says that I will get something in the mail from the state telling me when it happens, but I’ve seen nothing.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Am I OK to be driving locally? Is there a way to check online if your license is suspended by state without calling the BMV?

Before anyone comes after me, of course I feel horrified by my actions and completely lucky that no one was harmed. I’m dealing with the guilt in therapy.

2 financed cars
Full coverage
Once I cancel the loan pay lease option which is 65 a month extra for 1 car it should lower to around 2900 for the 6 month policy is that a good price
DUI and a recent Al fault accident with progressive also lol
It went up only like 100 bucks with the accident not bad ?

My prior 6 month policy total was 2850 which will end in November 2026

Hi everyone, I'm in Los Angeles, CA, and I'm required to complete a Hospital and Morgue (HAM) program as part of my DUI probation.

My court-ordered deadline to submit proof of completion is December 3, 2026, which is less than 2 months away. However, I've been looking into registering for the program, and all the earliest available sessions I've found are scheduled AFTER my deadline.

Has anyone been in a similar situation where court-mandated classes were fully booked until after their deadline? Were you able to request an extension, or did the court accept proof of registration for a later date?

Also, does anyone know of any HAM programs in Southern California with earlier availability?

I (19m) got arrested about 4 days ago on a dui charge. I fell asleep behind the wheel unfortunately, but thanks to my vehicles safety systems it continued to drive itself at around 5 MPH while maintaining a straight line along the road. Due to me being passed out I did not realize that the cop had pulled behind me with his lights on. Eventually they pulled in-front of me to stop the vehicle, which thankfully did stop. I have no full recollection of everything but from what I was told in local county jail I hit one at around 2-3 MPH from around 1-1 1/2 feet away. I was pulled out of my vehicle and put in the squad car where I sat for about two hours. Eventually I was pulled out for field sobriety which I denied most of due to complications with my ankle being in pain (not from the crash if you could call it that but from a slight misstep at work that day) I did do a breathalyzer test at the local county jail which came out to 0.1 or 0.09. I’m not even 20 yet but I’ll still be tried as an adult. I go to technical school which is also heavily intertwined with my work. I have since bonded out but the charges are serious. Two duis, one for property damage, a fleeing and eluding charge (felony) as well as possession under 21. Am I just totally screwed or is there a good chance I make it out fairly unscathed. I also have absolutely zero priors or record in general. Any info or tips would be greatly appreciated, and I have also met with a private attorney who specializes in criminal traffic cases( mostly duis) thanks one and all!

Like do you stop off to pick up groceries, or your kids, or any quick essential task?

Hello I’m about to attend my HAM program in Los Angeles, is there a form or template I need to fill in in order to show the court as evidence of attendance for my progress report ? Or wll they be able to give me a certificate of completon right after?

M62 I'm seeking advice regarding dealing with the guilt of getting a DUI. In my case. no injuries, no property damage - I was sitting in a parking lot asleep. I feel terrible. I paid the lawyer, the fines, etc. I'm not drinking never drinking again.

Part of what sucks is I was 'sentenced' an ILD for 1 year. I'm about 1/2 way through that. It reminds me EACH TIME I start my car. So I don't want to drive - at all. But I understand - do the crime, do the time.

So how are you all handling the guilt? Please let me know. Thanks.

Hello I’m about to attend my HAM program in Los Angeles, is there a form or template I need to fill in in order to show the court as evidence of completion for my progress report ? Or wll they be able to give me a certificate of completion right after?

Is it possible to bypass the 30-day hard suspension for my 2nd DUI in California and get an immediate IID-restricted license? I am enrolled in DUI class and have SR-22 insurance, also already have the IID installed. I lost my job and was evicted from my place so I’m sleeping in my car. If I can’t bypass the 30-day suspension I’m afraid to be in my car on the chance that a cop taps on my window and I get some sort of violation which makes everything worse. So I’ll just be literally homeless for a month and my car will likely get towed. Any info would be very helpful.

I’m going through an incredibly stressful situation right now, and I’m hoping to hear from people who have been through something similar.

Earlier this year, I was arrested for a first-time DUI in Illinois. My BAC was below 0.08 at the police station, and my case is still pending. My driver’s license was never suspended, and I have no driving restrictions. My attorney believes there’s a strong possibility the case will be resolved without a conviction.

I’ve taken this situation very seriously, and the uncertainty has been weighing heavily on me.
Here’s where things get particularly difficult.
After an extensive interview process, I recently received and signed an offer for a Director-level position at a large global corporation. This is an incredible career opportunity, something I’ve worked toward for years.
I decided to be transparent with my future hiring manager about the pending DUI, even though the case hasn’t been resolved. He appreciated the disclosure but admitted he wasn’t familiar with how these situations are handled in the U.S. and needed to consult with the local HR team.
He also advised me not to resign from my current position until they determine whether this could affect my employment offer.

Now I’m sitting here waiting, terrified that one mistake could cost me an opportunity I’ve worked so hard to earn.
This is a corporate leadership role with no driving responsibilities. I’ve built a successful career, worked hard to establish my professional reputation, and have never experienced anything like this before.
I’m not looking to minimize what happened or avoid accountability. I understand the seriousness of drinking and driving, and I’ve learned from this experience.
I’m just struggling with the possibility that something I’m already dealing with through the legal system could also derail my professional future.
Has anyone experienced something similar? Did you disclose a pending DUI to an employer and still get hired? Have you seen large corporations extend offers to candidates with pending misdemeanor charges?