Those arrested and charged with a DUI may feel a sense of shame or embarrassment. They may even try to deal with it quietly, keeping it a secret from family and friends. However, about 1.5 million people are charged with DUIs each year here in the United States. The defendants come from all walks of life and vary in age. It is likely that just about anyone who consumes alcohol has driven after having a drink, which is fine if they don’t exceed the 0.08 blood alcohol level and there are no other violations.
Typical misperceptions
There are some harsh character judgments placed against those charged. They include:
- The driver is an alcoholic or addict.
- The driver drives under the influence all the time.
- The driver has been arrested in the past for other crimes.
It can be any driver
People may feel shame, but they are not the only drivers to go through this. Actors like Kiefer Sutherland (twice) and Vince Vaughan made national news for getting arrested. Broncos Pro Bowl running back Melvin Gordon was charged in March of this year, only to have them reduced to reckless driving — he was going well above the speed limit when pulled over, but the test was obtained under a false premise of erroneous COVID protocols. Former All-star first baseman Todd Helton was charged with DUI and pled guilty in 2019. Then there is Colorado lawmaker Dan Pabon’s arrest on St. Patrick’s Day 2016, where his BAC was twice the legal limit.
People can move on
These Coloradans charges made local or national news, but they tried just like anyone else. They can fight the charges, face a license suspension, pay fines and perhaps spend time in jail. They are not letting a DUI charge define who they are as people and accomplished professionals.