Alcohol & Substance Abuse Treatment Options for DUI Offenders

Michigan OWI Attorneys Representing Clients Convicted of Drunk Driving Offenses in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Throughout Michigan

Individuals who are convicted of a DUI, OWI, or other drunk driving or drugged driving offense are often required to attend programs such as AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or NA (Narcotics Anonymous). At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan DUI defense lawyers want to help those who have been convicted of these or similar offenses to be aware of Michigan DUI treatment options available. Regardless of whether it is your first offense or a subsequent offense, taking action to put your life back on the right path is important. Whether the court is requiring you to complete treatment as part of an imposed sanction or you are doing so voluntarily, attending a drug/alcohol class or program will help indicate to the court that you are making a legitimate effort toward overcoming any alcohol/drug abuse or addiction issue.

We recommend that you work with an experienced attorney who will assist you in determining the treatment options most suited to your situation. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous, putting not only your own life at risk, but the lives of others as well. While the penalties for drunk driving are severe, courts usually prefer that those charged with DUI, OWI, OUIL and other related offenses are rehabilitated rather than punished. Our Michigan criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing you with the best possible legal guidance and support, whether you have just been charged with a DUI offense or need help with the various Michigan DUI treatment options.

Alcohol/Substance Abuse Treatment Following a Michigan DUI or Drunk Driving Conviction

In order to determine the extent of an offender's alleged alcohol problem, the court requires the individual to undergo alcohol assessment following the trial process. MAST (Michigan Alcohol Screening Test) and SASSI (Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory) are examples of alcohol screening tests that are often part of the alcohol assessment; you will also participate in an extensive interview. When deciding on final sentencing for the offender, courts take into consideration the results from the alcohol assessment. Repeat offenders are required to participate in an alcohol abuse treatment program; if you fail to do so, you may face additional penalties or become ineligible for license reinstatement.

Not every individual who is convicted of DUI or drunk driving is addicted; some individuals may abuse alcohol or drugs, while others have dependency issues. A psychological evaluation will help determine whether the offender is an abuser or dependent on alcohol or drugs. It is important that you are forthcoming and honest in this evaluation, as the diagnosis will help to determine the most beneficial rehabilitation or treatment options. There is a definite difference between alcohol/drug abuse, and alcohol/drug dependency.

DUI Treatment Options

Whether you decide to seek treatment on your own or are ordered to do so by the court, it can indicate to the court your desire to cooperate with Michigan law, which is beneficial in your effort to regain your driving privileges. Alcoholics Anonymous is a program many individuals choose, however you may choose to participate in a drug or alcohol class, meet with a psychiatrist, or consider other options.

In-Patient Alcohol Treatment Programs. If you have had an alcohol abuse issue for a substantial length of time, you may want to consider an in-patient treatment program. Designed specifically for those who have had alcohol issues for years, an in-patient treatment program is often effective for those who have tried previously to become sober through other avenues, but have not been successful.

Outpatient Alcohol Treatment Programs. Individuals who abuse alcohol but who appear not to be dependent often benefit by attending outpatient programs. If you have a network of family members and friends who support you emotionally and enable you to keep a positive mental state while seeking treatment, this type of program may be best for you. Many people choose to participate in outpatient treatment programs after successfully completing an in-patient treatment program.

While the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) may not find your effort to complete an alcohol treatment program satisfactory, it does indicate your effort to increase public and personal safety. In the state of Michigan, drunk driving is taken very seriously; it is imperative that you consult with a capable defense lawyer when facing a DUI, OWI, DWI or other drunk driving charge. As compassionate and caring Michigan drunk driving attorneys, we want to help you secure the best possible outcome - and starting treatment so that you can work toward long-term sobriety will help you secure a good outcome.

Contact DUI Treatment Attorney Scott Grabel Today

At Grabel & Associates, our goal is to help clients through every stage of the DUI process from your arrest to finding the proper DUI treatment option in Michigan for your situation. We enjoy a reputation as one of the most capable criminal defense firms in Michigan; our proven track record for securing positive results in DUI cases speaks to our skill, experience, and dedication. We urge you to let our team of professionals help you maneuver the various Michigan DUI treatment options. Call us today for a free evaluation of your case at 1-800-342-7896. Contact us online.