Drinking and driving can never be justified. However, when a loved one gets into trouble for doing just that, you may be left in a difficult place legally and emotionally.

If your loved one has been caught drinking and driving and is currently facing a DUI charge you may be confused about what you should be doing. You may have a lot of conflicting emotions. Here is a look at the best steps you can take to help your loved one.

Be Supportive

Although your loved one has done something wrong. It is important to remember that everybody makes mistakes and if they are remorseful the best thing you can do is support them. 

 A DUI is a serious charge and they are likely to need a criminal defense attorney such as those from the Spodek Law Group. An attorney that is experienced in dealing with these kinds of cases will advise your loved one on how to proceed.

Your loved one needs to understand how this charge will affect them in the present and how it will affect them in the future. An arrest like this normally goes on their permanent record and it may pose challenges in the future.

Make sure that your lawyer discusses all of these things with your loved one, so that they are prepared for all the consequences that are to come. Before hiring a DUI lawyer, it may be helpful to learn more about the process and what to expect in terms of legal fees and outcomes. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t be afraid to ask the lawyer for clarification.

Dealing with Addiction

A DUI arrest often means that your loved one is struggling with alcohol-related issues.

They may need to go to alcohol use classes, alcohol counseling, and a defensive driving class. Overcoming the addiction is the only way to ensure that your loved one does not repeat the events that caused them to be arrested.

Don’t Lose Respect

While you may be angry about what your loved one has done because it may have thrown your family into emotional and legal turmoil it is not helpful to be disrespectful.

As you go through this it is important that you try to minimize animosity and lashing out.  Give your loved one their space when they need it and you should also get your space whenever it is necessary. 

Access Finances

Depending on your relationship with the loved one who has been arrested for a DUI, you may be in a position to take a closer look at their finances. In the beginning, phases of handling the needs, like posting bail, can feel quite daunting. It’s important to grasp the process and make arrangements for bail bonds as it plays a role in assisting your loved one with their legal matters. A DUI incurs a lot of legal costs.

 One of the ways you can help is to try to get their finances in order and as well if you are closely related. Contact other family members to see if they are willing to offer financial support.

Getting Through It

A DUI arrest is challenging not just for your loved one but for everyone who is close to them. It is something that you will have to get through it together.

A lot of lessons will be learned and many of them will be unpleasant. However, if your loved one treats this as an opportunity for self-correction and self-improvement there is great hope for the future.