First time DUI offenders usually do not go to jail or wind up with a conviction on their record so long as they take steps to show the judge they have taken action to address their issues. All judges expect a DUI offender to have started a treatment program before the court and the failure to do so could lead to a conviction or jail.

There are many good certified alcohol treatment programs around such as One Promise, the Columbia Treatment Center, and Mountain Manor. There are many others. They will conduct an initial evaluation and then recommend either a 12 week educational program or 26 weeks of group therapy depending upon the facts. There are more intensive programs for those with a more serious problem. The sooner you begin the program the better.

You can also do the Victim Impact Panel run by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving). The judge is going to order this anyway so you ought to get it done before court.

You will want to get a complete, certified copy of your driving record to give to your lawyer. You need a letter from your employer showing your need to have a license to get to work. You will want documentation of any community service, awards, accolades, or volunteer work that you are doing. Most importantly, you want to abstain from alcohol altogether.

If you refused the test or blew .08 or above, there is a very short time deadline to file for an MVA hearing or elect the ignition interlock. Otherwise, you face a lengthy suspension of your license beginning the 46th day after the incident. Even if the deadline has run, you can still elect the ignition interlock.

It is natural to be distraught after receiving a DUI. For first time offenders, it will be okay. You should take steps to address the problem as soon as possible and show the judge you are taking the matter seriously.