There are many things that you have to think about when you are out drinking with friends. One of the primary matters to consider is how you are going to get home. This is something that must be planned because if you try to drive home after you have been drinking, there is a chance that you will end up facing drunk driving charges.
If this is your first drunk driving charge, you might be eligible for a drunk driving diversion program. In South Carolina, the program is know as the DUI Treatment Court Program.
Here are some things you should know about this program:
First, you can’t have a violent criminal charge against you if you participate in the program. This program can only help you deal with drunk driving charges.
Second, you have to plead guilty to the charge. However, the plea is held in abeyance while you are working through the program. If you are able to complete it successfully, the plea is likely to be thrown out, and the case will be dismissed.
Third, this isn’t a quick fix for the charges for driving drunk. The program takes at least 12 months to complete. You will have work on getting and staying sober. The program is very structured, and you will have to comply with the terms of the program if you want to complete it.
This program is only one of the options that are available for dealing with a drunk driving charge. Make sure that you fully understand what options you have so that you can make the best choices from among those presented by your attorney.
Source: FindLaw, “DUI Diversion Programs: What They Are and How They Work,” accessed Aug. 03, 2017