Driving under the influence (DUI) is the most common crime among Lancaster County adults. And it’s a charge that can quickly throw a good person into a tough time.
You and your family can all benefit from these tips to help you get past your DUI charge.
Seek substance abuse treatment and support.
In some cases, the courts may require you to receive treatment from a substance abuse counselor or treatment program. However, you don’t need a court order to find the help you need to get your life back on track.
Below are just some Lancaster, PA-area resources that offer drug and alcohol treatment:
Alcoholics Anonymous- Lancaster County
A group of men and women who share experiences and support to recover from alcohol abuse.
Lancaster A.A. Central Office, Inc.
630 Janet Avenue, Suite D150
Lancaster, Pa 17601
Phone: (717) 394-3238
Manos House Drug and Alcohol Services
Substance abuse treatment program that consists of supervised independent living arrangements as well as residential treatment.
1290 Prospect Road
Columbia, PA 17512
Phone: (717) 285-0420
Compass Mark
Committed to guiding individuals and families on a journey toward lives free from substance abuse and full of promise.
630 Janet Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: (717) 299-2831
Crisis Intervention Services (24-hour service)
Drug and alcohol crisis referral and suicide prevention.
1120 Frances Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-394-2631
Lancaster County Recovery Alliance
Encouraging a recovery lifestyle in the Lancaster community through education, advocacy, and treatment access.
Find additional Alcohol Treatment Resources to get help after a DUI.
Take care of your well-being.
Being charged with a DUI can be a scary process, whether it’s your first time or your third. The shadow of the unknown can lead to stress, anxiety, or depression. You may be worried about whether you’ll keep your job, how you’ll pay fines, or whether your kids will still respect you.
If those feelings are persistent or they prevent you from meeting your responsibilities at home or work, talk with a counselor. Therapists have the expertise and resources to help you work through negative emotions in a healthy way so you can reclaim control of your life.
Find help and support for loved ones.
Alcohol abuse and DUI charges affect the entire family. For example, it can lead to disagreements with a partner about everything from treatment to finances. Your partner may benefit from individual therapy to cope with the challenges, or you may want to enter relationship counseling together.
Minor children are impacted, too, particularly if they were in the vehicle during the arrest. They might be worried about what’s going to happen to you, or they may be dealing with bullying by classmates or neighborhood kids aware of the situation. Reach out to your child’s guidance counselor or work with a child or adolescent therapist to help your kids deal with their emotions in a healthy way.
Invest in an experienced DUI attorney.
For most people, one of the most stressful aspects of a DUI charge is working through the legal system. While Lancaster County’s DUI Central Court has streamlined the process, it can still be confusing and overwhelming for defendants. If you act as your own attorney and make a misstep, it could cost your freedom.
A lawyer with experience navigating Lancaster’s DUI Court will fight to ensure your rights are protected. Get help after a DUI to protect your legal rights—contact Mark Walmer, an attorney with more than 25 years of experience in PA criminal law.