You run a successful business in your area, but you made the mistake of driving while intoxicated and got caught. Now, you’re not only worried about the fines and penalties that come with a DUI, but also the potential for customers to avoid your business.
Socially, a DUI is extremely damaging, because it makes you look like you don’t care about the safety of those around you. It shows recklessness and may even draw questions about your relationship with alcohol.
What can you do to mitigate the damage from a DUI?
The first thing you should do is to remember that your attorney is there to help you protect your reputation. From the start, your attorney’s job is to fight for you and to reduce the impact of the DUI.
Your attorney will start by looking at your traffic stop. If the officer, for example, had no reason to stop you, then your attorney may be able to get the charges against you dropped. Similarly, if there was a breath test given that was not very accurate, then your attorney can question the legitimacy of those results.
At the same time, your attorney can also protect your image. Did a news story release your name and image, stating that you had a DUI when you did not? It may be possible to get them to recant the story. This won’t completely clear the air, but it can help prevent more people from seeing the allegations against you.
It’s possible that your professional license will be threatened as well, so it is essential that your attorney works with you to limit the impact of the DUI in your professional life. Without your license, you could lose your job and income. While you do have to report arrests to the licensing agency, having your attorney work to reduce charges and penalties in court could help you retain your license.
Finally, you will likely miss some work as a result of the charges, and that can hurt your relationship with clients. Do your best to always have a backup party who can take over your role if you have to be away. Be courteous to your clients, and make amends when you can. You’re only human, and most people will respect you if you take actions to help yourself and to satisfy their needs after you’ve been away or had to change appointments.
