DUII Alcohol/Drug Rehabilitation
Often a driving under the influence charge is a sign of an underlying drug and/or alcohol addiction which requires treatment. Rehabilitation programs help individuals deal with their substance abuse problem and can improve a DUII defendant’s overall health and quality of life. An experienced DUII attorney can use rehab to decrease or even eliminate the harsh penalties of a DUII conviction including jail time, fines and driver’s license suspension.
If you or someone you love has been charged with DUII, you need an experienced DUII attorney. Paul F. Sherman can help you get the drug and/or alcohol treatment you need to address the problem and to convince the Court to allow rehabilitation as an alternative to jail time and fines.
Alcohol Rehab and DUII Sentencing
Alcoholism and chemical dependency play a major role in being arrested for DUII. As such, Oregon requires defendants convicted of driving under the influence to complete a drug and alcohol evaluation to determine whether treatment is needed. The court will then require the defendant to complete the treatment recommendation.
Common Warning Signs of Alcohol or Drug Addiction
Multiple DUII convictions are often a warning sign of drug and/or alcohol addiction. Other warning signs include:
· Continued use of alcohol despite the negative consequences
Greater tolerance to alcohol and drugs leading to increased consumption
· Inability to stop drinking or using drugs
· Loss of control
· Drinking to pass out
· Physical dependence and withdrawal
Rehab helps break the cycle of addiction and can reduce the legal consequences of a DUII conviction. To learn more about Rehab, call the Law Offices of Paul F. Sherman for a FREE DUII consultation.
The importance of voluntary treatment for a DUII defendant cannot be over emphasized. Voluntary treatment increases the likelihood of finding a program and treatment facility that is well matched for your needs. This in turn leads to a greater likelihood of a successful recovery.
Voluntary treatment also demonstrates to the Court a desire to change and to achieve recovery from addiction. This lessens the likelihood of becoming a repeat offender and increases the chances of leniency in sentencing. If a DUII defendant fails to get treatment prior to conviction, the Court will require a mandatory treatment programs on its own terms. The terms and conditions of the Court’s program can be onerous, expensive and lead to failure – and to jail.
Clearly drug and alcohol rehabilitation can positively affect the outcome of your case. This is especially true for a DUII first offense. The benefits of rehab may include:
Diversion. First time offenders may have the opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction by successfully completing a drug and alcohol diversion treatment program. This results in a dismissal of the DUII charge.
Reduction of Mandatory Jail Time and Fines. Successful completion of a diversion treatment program can eliminate mandatory jail time and fines imposed for a DUII conviction. Repeat offenders can also reduce jail time and fines in exchange for Court approved treatment.
Reinstatement of Driver’s License. Successful completion of diversion allows a DUII defendant to get their driver’s license back quicker – often as soon as the implied consent suspension runs avoiding a mandatory one year suspension for a first time DUII conviction.
Hardship Permit. Voluntary treatment may increase the likelihood of the Court allowing a hardship permit to go to and from work and/or treatment.
If you or someone you love has been charged with driving under the influence, you should contact the Law Offices of Paul F. Sherman as soon as possible to discuss the benefits of diversion or a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.