How substance abuse treatment can save your life in more ways than one
Being charged with a DUI is a serious event. For many people, it’s a chance for reflection and personal development. Happily, there’s growing evidence that such reflection and personal development may actually reduce the severity of DUI-related penalties. In some cases, enrolling in a substance abuse treatment program may help you win your DUI case outright.
How Do Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Work?
Alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs come in many different forms. There are two basic types: inpatient and outpatient. Inpatient programs require participants to live in dormitory-style housing or hotel-like quarters and may restrict access into and out of the program facility. On the other hand, outpatient programs allow participants to come and go at will. Some evidence suggests that outpatient program participants have higher relapse rates. However, both types of treatment are considered effective.
Whereas some treatment programs may be associated with a well-known organization like Alcoholics Anonymous, others may be standalone organizations run as nonprofit or for-profit entities. Treatment typically includes education, emotional and psychological support, dietary support, and other channels that collectively improve the health and well-being of program participants.
DUI Diversion Programs
While alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs are useful and even life-saving in their own right, many states and counties are now encouraging first-time and repeat DUI offenders to enroll in treatment after being charged with driving under the influence. This legal “encouragement” is known as a DUI diversion program. Although DUI diversion programs come in different forms, their basic characteristics include:
• Possibly entering a guilty plea
• Having no prior criminal record
• Beginning treatment within 45 days of the hearing at which the diversion program is established
• Possibly paying a fee to participate in treatment
Defendants who follow these protocols may face more lenient penalties, enjoy suspended sentencing, and have their charge or guilty plea wiped from their criminal record on a permanent basis. This may be particularly important for repeat offenders who would face serious penalties, including long-term license suspension, in the event of a full conviction.
Find a DUI Attorney for Your Drunk Driving Case in Neenah and Appleton, WI
Combating your recent DUI charge isn’t the only worthwhile reason to enroll in a substance abuse treatment program. In fact, doing so could change your life for the better in numerous ways. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that substance abuse treatment can also help your DUI case. If you’re interested in learning more about the assistance that we can provide as you fight your charges, call us at (920) 720-0000 or fill out our online contact form.