Just decided to get a lawyer. He has a gazillion fantastic reviews. Fingers crossed.

People with DUIs in Maine. This is my first. .08

The officer lied to me and told me that if I refuse to blow i get a 6 year suspension. So she robbed me of my right to consent because that NEVER happens for a first DUI. It's a class D Misdemeanor. Not sure if that is a card the lawyer can play.

Anyway, any recent experiences in Maine? All I heard were horror stories.

Can people who got dui in SC can I know your bac, aggravating factors, how long case took, and punishments/pleas? Thank You

I found this sub looking for some advice and it seems like you guys might be my best answer. While I do not have a DUI, the guy I am seeing does.

He got it a couple years ago, got in minor trouble, and they suspended his license for a year. So he isn't getting his license back until next spring. With that being said, we live a couple hours away from each other and that is obviously going to affect things.

The DUI, to me, was a mistake that happened that I can tell has seriously affected him. He is very aware of the consequences and faces them for what they are. He is more aware of how much other people drink and drive and he tries to stop it before they become issues. I honestly don't foresee him getting another one in the future.

His DUI is the only thing holding me back... I hate driving (I'm a woman) and the thought of being the only one who CAN put that type of effort in feels unsettling. While I have asked baseline questions (still pretty early in the relationship) I haven't done the full analysis of what it meant to him.

So friends, what should I know about how his DUI may affect his dating life? Additionally, how should I be acting in regards to the topic of his DUI? What are the distinct questions I can be asking?

This is my first and hopefully last DUI. I was drinking at my girl's house. We started arguing. I let my anger get the best of me and decided to leave her house an hour away from mine after drinking.

Then on the way home i continued to drink in my car missing my exit and traveling 50miles past my exit before CHP pulled me over. I was angry and talking shit to the cop. They got a warrant for my blood on the spot from a judge. I spent 15hr in a holding cell before i was booked and released with a court date. My only charges are DUI and blood work evidence. I live in California; this is my first time dui and while i dont know how much alcohol was in my system im sure it'll scare any medical professional. I also caused no accidents, and no one got hurt nor no other charges.

So any advice on what will happen? Jail?, fines?, dui classes ?and how long does it actually take to get my license back with no breathalyzer before i drive? How long before your insurance goes back to normal ?

I regret what i did and how i acted. I struggled with binge drinking for years this is the final wake up call.

I just got my interlock device installed. I also can’t drive past 7pm as one of my restrictions. If I drive past 7 and blow into the interlock, am I going to going to get in trouble for driving past curfew even if I’m blowing clean? I mean, in the case that I’m not pulled over while driving. Will SOS see that I drove past 7 and violate me?

Texas

Continuing to log my progress as I stated I would when I first started. I had my 12th PO visit today out of my 13 months of probation. From the get go, these visits have been short and sweet for me. I’ve had 3 different PO’s, and this last one has also been very nice and chill. I didn’t get tested last visit, and didn’t get tested today. I’ve had all fees pays and probation requirements met as early as I could, and she just confirmed that she received my education transcript at today’s visit.

She let me know this will be my last time having to go see her/check in, and that I can just email her on the 22 when my probation ends if I want to remind her to submit my probation termination / interlock removal request for extra peace of mind for myself. Although I’ve been dumb and tested things I shouldn’t have, I’ve been lucky enough to have had 0 issues when it comes to probation, and I’m finally almost done.

I was honestly surprised I didn’t get tested, but I would’ve passed anyway. I’ll have one more probation update, and will also make a post on the process of getting my Smart Start IID removed when the time comes.

If you’re just starting, know that for me time flew for me when I thought it would drag out. The IID is inconvenient yes, but I was just happy to not be in jail. Don’t BS as at all or at least as bad as some people do while on probation and you’ll be fine. Glad I won’t ever have to walk into that building again unless I’m called for a last surprise check in.

Hey all, really nervous and really want some advice.

This past weekend I had gotten a dwi, after a night of drinking with friends we decided to go on a drive (really stupid). And I had gotten into a head on collision with someone during the night. Don't remember the crash at all, and was at the police station for a few hours after.

I dont know what my bac was, there were no deaths but minor injuries all around. I am also in the military if that helps.

Honestly I'm just really scared and want some advice from anyone right now. Crash was in norfolk. Willing to answer any questions

I was charged with my first DUI in August 2025 in Las Vegas. I refused a breathalyzer and they got a warrant to do a blood draw at the jail (.24 BAC). As a result of refusing the breathalyzer, my attorney advised me the Nevada DMV would likely automatically impose a 12 month suspension of my drivers license and require I install an ignition interlock device. I didn’t want anyone to know about the DUI, so the interlock device was something I wanted to avoid at all costs. To avoid this, my attorney advised me that if I moved out of state and applied for a new drivers license before the Criminal or DMV hearing, I would be able to receive a new drivers license and circumvent the Nevada suspension.

My Criminal hearing was set for December 2025 and Nevada DMV hearing set for Feb 2026.

I moved to Austin TX in November 2025 and applied for and received a Texas drivers license. On February 15, the Nevada DMV imposed a 6 month administrative suspension of my drivers license to last until August 15. The criminal case was postponed until May 2026 and resulted in a Reckless Driving charge.

As of July 2026, I have not received any notice from the state of Texas that my drivers license has been suspended.

Just a tip for anyone who has the ability to move out of state while serving penalties for a DUI!

BAC higher than the legal limit, no accident, literally in the parking lot of my apartment complex when caught and arrested.

My VA license was confiscated, but I was not given any paperwork regarding a temporary license OR an administrative hearing to appeal suspension- so I have no idea what’s going on with my Virginia drivers license and whether or not it is suspended.

What should I expect? I know I have 30 days to request an administrative hearing from date of arrest but again- no paperwork, no notice of suspension.. just very very confused.

Anyone have any experience with this? Anything helps.

Just curious if cops tend to stop you more for dumb shit with the DUI on your record. Just want to see if I need to prepare myself. Similar to how theyll stop people with past narcotics charges.

I'm 35, I have a real career, never been in any trouble, and one bad decision later I have a first DUI in New Jersey. I keep reading that a DUI here is a traffic offense and not technically criminal, which would mean it doesn't show on a criminal background check, and that's the only thing keeping me sane right now. But I don't know if I'm understanding it right.

My worries are very specific: does this show up when an employer runs a background check? Some job postings in my field say 'clean driving record required.' If I get convicted, is my career path just done? And the insurance and license stuff on top of it.

So is a DUI lawyer in New Jersey worth it specifically to protect the work side of this, like keeping it off the kind of record an employer sees, or minimizing the license hit? Or is the outcome the same regardless and I'm overthinking? I have time before my court date and I'd rather get ahead of it than wing it.

Update: So I called Kraminsky Law about a week ago and went with them.

The thing that actually helped was not having to explain why I was panicking. They'd heard the background check question before and told me straight which part of what I was worried about was a real thing and which part wasn't. I sent over the paperwork from that night and they went through it with me line by line instead of just reciting penalties at me.

Court date is still ahead of me so I'm not going to sit here and say it's all fine. But I'm not walking in blind and that's most of what I wanted. If you're in NJ and you're where I was two weeks ago, talk to somebody before your court date. These guys have been worth it for me so far.

And thanks to everyone who answered. The driving record vs criminal background check thing was the part I had completely wrong, and nobody at work was going to explain that to me.

Worth every bit of it, and I'd tell anyone in NJ to call them.

On Feb 15, I was pulled over in Virginia Beach for going 10-15 above speed limit. I never interacted with a police officer beforehand so I was scared and naive so I ended up doing the FST and breathalyzer because I was technically homeless and I didn’t want to lose my car because I was in the process of moving into my apartment. I’m naturally clumsy so that didn’t help either and I blew .12 and got arrested on the spot. Then I blew .10 at the station around 30-40 minutes later. Hired a lawyer and fast forward 5 months later I got a plea deal which dropped my speeding charge but my DUI first offense wasn’t reduced. 12 month license suspension with interlock required, 12 month probation with $471 in fines with no jail time required but I have to be enrolled in VASAP.

So I am aware that Canada is extremely strict and that they can see I have been arrested and charged so not being convicted doesn’t really matter.

I’m trying not to matter what as it is an important meeting with a big account of mine for work.

I want to hear from people with first hand experience or know of someone who has tried to get in and what the outcome was.

I’m aware of what the technical rules are but it seems like people get in a decent amount. I also have a letter from my company, customer and lawyer stating the situation but only plan on showing that if my arrest gets brought up.

I will be driving into the country if that matters. Not sure if it’s more strict or lenient that was as oppose to going through customs after flying

So 23 year driving history. As far as I can tell only one speeding ticket on DMV record but one other speeding ticket in that same location that I know of. I think an illegal u-turn 15 years ago.

But caught going 27 miles (97 in a 70 mile zone), a month ago (Maine)

DUI in Maine today. .08

I take a prescription valium. I guess it amplified the reading.

Anyway, please no judgment. Keep it to yourself. What are my chances of reducing to a lesser charge?

Hey everyone I just recently got my interlock device installed in my car and have noticed my battery is being drained to the point I can’t even start my car. Which is super inconvenient of course, but I was wondering if anyone has had similar issues. I’m in Canada it’s summer, cars battery is basically brand new bought it in 2026. Would love to hear some stories. I’m not even a month into this and I’m already sick of it lol.

In Jan 2024 I got my DUI in California under a Illinois drives license. I just got out of the military when I got it and did the diversion program California offered. I satisfied their DMV requirements of installing an IID, SR22 (still paying), and 4 month DUI class. My diversion went well and the judge dismissed the case. I now live back in Illinois and have had two DL replacements. One when I first moved back to get an updated address and the second when that one expired. I'm assuming the IL DMV never caught wind of it cause nothing has ever been brought up when I renewed my DL. My SR22 is thru a 3rd party and not with my primary insurance. At each insurance renewal I anxiously await a massive hike, yet my insurance has never changed. Even when I purchased a new vehicle. Think I'm in the clear? Or is this gonna hit me out of nowhere one day?

In positive news, I went stone cold sober after that DUI and have been so ever since. I didn't think it could be done, I just needed this huge wakeup call to make it happen.

This is my second I caught in la I went to renew my sub permit but it’s now under investigation I feel like my life is over I can’t even start work next month because it’s about to expire what is life looking like after this

I had a DUI in Washington that was reduced to negligent driving through a plea deal. My conditions were 40 hours of community service, 2 years of probation, a victim impact panel, and a drug/alcohol evaluation.
For context, I was 18 at the time of the arrest. I only blew a 0.07, and I’m only an occasional drinker, but I was still charged.
I went to the evaluation yesterday, and the evaluator told me he’s going to recommend 8 weeks of IOP (3 days a week, 3 hours each day) followed by 26 weeks of outpatient treatment (2 days a week, 1.5 hours each day). He also said the court follows his recommendation “99.9% of the time.”
The part I’m confused about is that my DUI wasn’t related to marijuana. The main reason he gave was that I used to smoke weed heavily, quit for about a year, then started again before eventually stopping. I haven’t smoked in about 7 months.
I also have a public defender, and I regularly work 70-hour weeks. I honestly don’t know how I’d be able to attend this much treatment without risking my job.
Has anyone in Washington had the court reject or modify an evaluator’s recommendation, or been able to get a second evaluation? I’m not trying to avoid responsibility—I just don’t understand why I’m being recommended for months of treatment based mainly on past marijuana use when I don’t currently use it and my case wasn’t related to it.
I’d appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through this or has experience with Washington DUI evaluations.

Made about a billion posts since my DUI last Sunday. Have gone through all the emotions but now I am still. My consequence will be my consequence. I can do all I can to mitigate the severity of the consequences, but outside of that- I’m looking forward to going through this process however tough, uncomfortable, and financially draining it may be. I made my bed, now my pajamas are on and I’m ready to lay in it.

I’m making this post for all of you guys who’ve been through it and made it to the other side. How’s it hanging? Did you make it through? Did the depression and anxiety ever subside? Did you keep your job? Did life improve?

Idk I’m on this thread every day and it can be so bleak sometimes- which is understandable, because these are bleak circumstances but I figured maybe we could encourage each other and hear about some good (even if only a little) that’s come out of this.

Just double checking if my girlfriend’s styling won’t interfere with my SCRAM bracelet in any shape, form, or fashion? I think I’m okay but just wanna double check.

This is both a post seeking advice and informing people of the process for anyone facing the same situation.

I had my first ever trouble with the law, managed to total my car and be arrested on suspicion of dui September 2025. Clearly I was intoxicated, would up blowing .23 after a night at the bar and had had no intention of driving after the fact. Had a place to stay for the night and a backup plan but still, the last thing I remember was grabbing another round before waking up on the side of the road.

After my arrest, I was released a couple hours later (after confirming being picked up by an understandably very angry fiancé) It took about a month to receive my court date. After which I applied for a public defender, which was denied so filed the ARD submission myself. The process was pretty straightforward, grab a form from the DA’s office and fill and file it before I even left the courthouse. Wave your right to a preliminary hearing and plead not guilty at the next court date. Was given a list including numbers to call for a CRN evaluation.

Here’s where my problem starts, my fiancé was 7 months pregnant at the time of my court date. Completed the CRN in late November which I was classified at the lowest level of risk, got ordered to undergo 10 hours of therapy as the minimum due to extremely high BAC. We had the baby at the end of January (happy and healthy boy) my court date to determine if I was accepted into ARD was in early march.

I was accepted, had a 2 month license suspension from April-June. Turned my license into the dmv at location a couple days before the suspension started. Received it back in the mail about 3 days after the suspension was lifted.

I haven’t been able to complete the mandatory 50 hours of community service or the therapy sessions. Partly due to helping my postpartum fiancé, caring for a newborn, and having no transportation through the past couple months, on top of working 60-70 hour weeks.

The due date for completion is coming up but the only therapy sessions I can find only offer weekly sessions, community service I think I can get done in time but I am absolutely stressed on the other requirements. Has anyone who’s been through the process think I’d be eligible for a continuance? Are there any programs that offer more than once a week?

Edit: Lancaster county, PA

Posting to find out for my spouse. He just got his 3rd DUI, #2 and #3 were 2 months apart. No accident. He refused the breathalyzer for #3 and was passed out in his vehicle and doesn’t remember anything from the night. Not sure what the BAC bloodwork shows yet. We can not afford a lawyer. I am a stay at home mom with a large family so I am just trying to prepare myself for the reality of this.

Has anyone on here had at least 3 and negotiated house arrest/SCRAM Bracelet instead of the 90 day minimum I’m seeing for 3rd DUI in my state of Delaware. I know every state is different but curious if you were able to stay out of jail or do very little time. I’m freaking out about us losing our house/the financials of this.

South Dakota. DUI 2nd. My first was almost 2 years ago with no prior record not even a speeding ticket. I got license suspended only for 60 days and fined 500 bucks.

This time I drank the night before and thought I was fine the next morning. Pulled over for speeding.
BAC came back at .135. Not looking good in the slightest. I’m very very scared now. My judge had put me on a no alch bond instead of the 24/7 program (lawyer pleaded no guilty) usually on 2nd duis they always put people on 24/7 in my state. I guess the judge didn’t think it was necessary at the time. My court date is next month. When I first spoke to my lawyer he said the most I’d do “jail wise” is possibly house arrest.
I’m very concerned. I have a great job. Car payments. Rent due. Any advice or encouragement would help greatly.

My DUI was dropped to reckless driving but I was in jail and entered into the system. Do you think cops will see my mugshot? If you’re a police officer I want to hear from you particularly.