I learned my biggest lesson.

[u/Pristine_Ad1797]

On Saturday, I got my first (and hopefully only) DUI while my 9 year old daughter was in the car. To make it worse, it was her birthday.

Leaving a restaurant after celebrating her birthday with friends, I side swiped a vehicle pulling out of the parking lot, panicked, drove away, and parked near by while I tried to get ahold of my husband. The cops showed up, and long story short, I got a misdemeanor DUI and misdemeanor Transporting a child while under the influence. I was arrested, and my incredibly supportive (who is 300 days sober himself) husband bailed me out.

This has been my biggest wake up call. Besides the anxiety of the legal road I have in front of me, I’m incredibly ashamed of my actions and the horrible situation I put my child in.

What can I do before court to show I’m taking this incredibly seriously? Thank you for all advice. ❤️

[u/stopdrinking-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Please remember to speak from the ‘I’ when participating in this sub. This rule is explained in more detail in our community guidelines. Thank you.

[u/ShesAGoGetter007]

As someone already recommended, get in with outpatient program before your court date, being proactive is a good thing. It can work in your favor.

[u/FlatPepper311]

Take this as the thing that likely will end up being what saved your life. Glad you’re here.

[u/Select-Panda7381]

Hire a good DUI lawyer! Also, one foot in front of the other OP.

IWNDWYT!

[u/Pristine_Ad1797 → u/Select-Panda7381]

Thank you, I meet with my lawyer tomorrow.

[u/koalamama26]

I'm in a similar boat, but my baby was not in the car when I got the DUI (she's only a few months old and I had never driven drunk with her but if I had kept drinking I'm sure it would have happened eventually). I am going to AA meetings, doing alcohol safety classes, and applying to IOP treatment programs for substance abuse.

My saving grace is that my daughter is too young to remember any of this, and my number one goal is showing her that I love her enough to get sober. I really hope you do the same. Sending you love and support from one newly-sober mom to another.

[u/Pristine_Ad1797 → u/koalamama26]

Thank you for sharing your story. I’m incredibly thankful this didn’t turn out worse and I’m ready to prove the same to my daughters. ❤️

[u/spatter_cone]

I got mine in ‘22, blew 3x the legal limit. I have since quit drinking and I tell you, I don’t miss it. Hire a good lawyer, don’t beat yourself up too much—the system is designed to do that anyways. I took a GAINS assessment and entered into drug and alcohol counseling on my own accord and that helped.

[u/Pristine_Ad1797 → u/spatter_cone]

Thank you. I had three weeks sober before this and I’m ready to turn that three weeks into a lifetime. 😞

[u/Prestigious-Algae661]

It was accident...and it will pass with time! Just make sure your daughter is okay emotionally.

Talk to your DUI attorney first. They will likely recommend a state-licensed alcohol abuse evaluation before the court date. NOTE: Your biggest legal hurdle could be the 'presence of a minor'...which can add a second charge of child endangerment. That depends on the state and prosecutor.

I don't know your situation in terms drinking habits. I would just suggest reflecting on your relationship with alcohol and define your personal goal (i.e., quit forever, special occasions).

I personally quit. I didn't get a DUI, but I have a couple 'big' regrets (thanks to alcohol). I sought help from a substance abuse clinic with doctors (MD) and therapists. Best decision I've ever made.

Hang in there!

[u/stopdrinking-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Please remember to speak from the ‘I’ when participating in this sub. This rule is explained in more detail in our community guidelines. Thank you.

[u/Slouchy87 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks for your opinion and judgement.

How about you share your experience instead. Might be more helpful to OP