It is no secret that law enforcement agencies take drunk driving offenses very seriously in Pennsylvania and across the U.S. Every year, thousands of people are arrested and charged with DUI.
Last year was no exception, according to numbers recently released by the Pennsylvania State Police. Reports show that PSP troopers made a whopping 19,518 arrests for DUI last year. In other words, if you are facing DUI charges, you are not alone. Remembering this can be critical in the weeks and months ahead.
You don’t have to defend yourself by yourself
If you are accused of DUI, you can feel isolated and embarrassed. Your relationships with your family can be strained; your standing at work, in the community or at school could be in jeopardy. Under these circumstances, you might feel like you have no one to support you.
However, before you give up or assume you have no one to whom you can turn, understand that you have the right to work with an attorney who can stand up for you and fight against the charges on your behalf. There are also numerous resources in place to help people struggling with substance addiction and other problems that may have contributed to a DUI. You do not have to go through this difficult time alone.
A mistake doesn’t have to destroy your future
Even if you are convicted of DUI, you still have options to minimize the negative impact the DUI has on your future. You can seek counseling and rehabilitation; you can complete community service to help others; you can participate in court programs that allow you to pursue expungement.
Taking action is the first step
In order to put this behind you, you have to take steps forward. If you have been charged with DUI in Pennsylvania, then it is important that you act fast to understand your legal options and defend against wrongful charges and overly harsh penalties. Again, you do not have to do this alone. With legal guidance and support, you can protect yourself and your future.