Recovering from a DUI
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One of the consequences of representing people with DUI cases over 23 years is that I have witnessed all the different ways that people deal with the experience.
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Getting a DUI is humiliating.
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It can strain your relationships, and make you less secure about your job, and is often a massive blow to people’s self-image and self-esteem.
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I always encourage clients to try to make something positive come out of this terrible experience.
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Making a positive out of your DUI experience.
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As the Roman poet, Horace stated:
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“Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant“.
That may sound crazy at this point, so soon after the trauma of being through a DUI. But the sooner you find something positive, the more tolerable this experience will be.
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What could that positive thing be for you? What have you always wanted to do?
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Go back to school? Take a painting class? Get a new job? Practice Yoga? My number one suggestion to clients is to start exercising. Buy some new running shoes, join a softball league, play indoor soccer, or just start walking.
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There are many “boot camp” programs here in Orange County. There are also many new fitness concepts right now, including CrossFit. I have a few favorite gyms in Orange County if you need a referral. Most gyms allow you to try them for free.
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Using a DUI to improve your inner self
This is also a great opportunity for you to try out counseling options. There are many great therapists and life coaches in Orange County. Perhaps now is the time to address some other issue in your life?
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“The future influences the present just as much as the past.” – Frederick Nietzche.
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Using this opportunity to learn a new skill, or learn about yourself
There are also 10,000 plus free online classes being offered on the internet now. These are called Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) or go by other names.
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Khan Academy and iTunes University are a few, and many are taught by the best professors from Ivy League Schools. Every type of subject is available. In other words, if there is some topic you are interested in, there is no excuse whatsoever that prevents you from learning about it.
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This also may be a good opportunity to examine your relationship with alcohol. I’m not a prohibitionist. But after doing this job for so long, I understand both positions. I’ve learned that people never regret not drinking.
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Sometimes it’s wiser to call your limits earlier. You won’t usually regret those last few drinks.
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Since it’s impossible to build a time machine and go back and change the events of the past, the best thing to do is to use this whole experience as an opportunity to improve your life.
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Try to make positive improvements to your life that outweigh all the negatives of your DUI case.
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“There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth, not going all the way, and not starting” – Buddha.
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If you need help, referrals, or even suggestions, please contact me personally. I am happy to help you.
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You are not alone in your struggle in recovering from a DUI. Email me at rmiller[at]expertlawfirm.com, call me via phone, or contact me through our online contact system.
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You are not alone in your struggle in recovering from a DUI.
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