4 Major Problems Created By Your Spouse's DUI Charge And How To Solve Them

27 November 2017 by Gene Vasquez

A driving under the influence (DUI) can hit anyone hard, especially if a loss of driving privileges is expected, but when it's your spouse who has been arrested, your entire world could come crumbling down around you. A DUI can result in loss of income, which may devastate your family, and it also could place your relationship under an enormous strain that it may not survive. Many problems arise under these circumstances and, despite the pressure you're all experiencing, solutions must be sought.

1. The Strain On The Family

The family unit can be hit really hard by a DUI, especially if everyone looks up to your spouse and depends on them in many ways. Expect the people in your household to be in shock, at first, followed by feelings of shame and embarrassment, then possibly, mistrust. All of these emotions will very likely put a strain on the entire family, but since that has the potential to make the situation even worse, it's important that you address the DUI openly and take countermeasures against the stress:

• Hold a family meeting and discuss the situation honestly, so you can face it together.
• Ask for everyone's support, including the possibility of making temporary sacrifices financially or in regards to transportation.
• Do things at home to strengthen the family bonds, keep your spouse connected to the family and to relieve some of the stress you're all under.

2. A Transportation Crisis

Whether a license is temporarily suspended, the main vehicle is impounded, or you expect the loss of your spouse's license to be prolonged, you're very likely facing a transportation crisis that requires immediate solution. If you have kids and they attend school, they should be able to take the bus; however, if there are afternoon and/or extra-curricular activities they need driving to and from, call upon other parents to help or contact the school, if your spouse usually acts as the family taxi. While the children shouldn't have to suffer the consequences of a parent's DUI, they're better off riding with someone else or skipping the event all together if the alternative is to be chauffeured by an unlicensed driver or one whom they're not sure they can completely trust to be sober.

Since your spouse likely works, if a transportation crisis arises because they can't drive themselves to and from the job, consider a few alternatives that may be available in your area:

• Carpooling with others in the neighborhood or at your spouse's place of employment.
• An Uber type service.
• A regular taxi, which might work out a special rate for you if the ride is repeated many times throughout the week.
• Public transportation.
• Walking or riding a bike, if the climate and distance are acceptable.
• Working from home for your spouse.
• Asking the court to grant your spouse driving privileges only to and from work, if the family depends on the income and that's an option in your case and area.

3. The Possibility Of Alcoholism

Although you may think your first priority should be to legally defend your spouse after a DUI, if a substance abuse problem is emerging, ultimately, you might be saving their life or the life of someone else on the road by addressing the issue of alcohol dependence. While many families might instinctively cover up a member's substance abuse, the issue should not be ignored, no matter what happens in court. Even if your spouse doesn't typically drink and drive, a problem with alcohol is never predictable and it can have a severe and lasting impact on the family unit, making action imperative and time-sensitive:

• Consider a professional evaluation of your spouse's drinking habits and dependency.
• Seek treatment if needed, even before a court might order it.
• Follow-up treatment with a permanent support group for your spouse, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or another organization that provides long-term, peer-to-peer guidance.
• If your spouse denies the problem or refuses treatment, at least get them to agree to any terms a judge may order, including DUI classes, counseling, etc.

4. The Legal Trouble Your Spouse And Family Face

Added to all the other possible complications of a DUI charge your family may have to endure is the legal trouble your spouse faces and the expense that goes along with it. If you're like many other families in America, your finances couldn't absorb a sudden and significant bill. Over half of all families, in fact, couldn't pay a surprise bill of $1,000, but if your family is forced to fight a drinking and driving charge in court, a thousand dollars will likely be just the tip of the financial iceberg. For this and other reasons, you need to choose the most suitable lawyer for your family's situation:

• A DUI lawyer who will accept a payment plan, if that's what you need (but you're still probably going to have to raise the funds for a retainer)
• An attorney who specializes in helping people clear their names and save their licenses
• Someone who is flexible with appointments, if you and your spouse both have working hours
• A lawyer your spouse will listen to, especially if there's a real problem with alcoholism.

Families are strong, cohesive units that can survive just about anything, but when a family leader is hit with a drunk driving charge, everything can fall apart. Recognize the problems as soon as they begin to present themselves and fight to find a fast solution. With a good attorney, perseverance and perhaps even some tough love, your family will get through this challenging time and move on to brighter days.

Get in touch with a DUI attorney at firms like Thomas & Associates, PC to learn more.

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