Being charged with a DUI can be a scary time for many people. DUI charges can come with severe penalties such as jail terms, fines, and much more. Many people often have their driver’s licenses revoked, which can have a disruptive effect on one’s social and professional life.

When you find yourself facing DUI charges, there are a number of things that you can do to prepare for a DUI charge.

Seek Legal Help

One of the most effective ways of preparing for a DUI case is to engage an experienced DUI lawyer. With legal help, you get a better understanding of what is at stake, and you also increase the chances of reduced penalties. DUI lawyers can even exploit loopholes in the law to help you beat the criminal charges.

Take DUI Classes

While these are often mandated by courts on people who face DUI charges, it is a great idea to enroll in such classes even before your first appearance at the court. Not only do DUI classes give you valuable knowledge to help you avoid DUI charges in the future but they also serve to show the court that you have learned your lesson. This can then lead to significantly reduced penalties for you. When selecting the right DUI school in California, you should find one that is fully licensed by the state.

Do Community Service

Most DUI penalties feature some form of community service whose duration will vary depending on the circumstances of the charge. A great idea is to start doing community service even before the court appointment. This gives you a head start on the penalty, ensuring that you are done with it sooner. Your attorney should be able to guide you on the process of starting your community service earlier.

Attend a Victim Impact Class

A Victim Impact Class or VIP is a program that is run by an organization known as MADD or Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The idea behind this program is to expose the public to the effects of drunk driving through a session with a victim of the crime. Typically, the sessions will feature a presentation and Q/A with a victim of drunk driving. When the session is done, attendees get a certificate that proves they attended the course. You should seek to attend this session, get a certificate and have it filed in court as part of your defense.

Get Information

Even though you may have retained an attorney, ensure that you understand the laws around DUI and what to expect during the process. A good example is understanding that California courts can opt to sentence you to house arrest instead of serving jail time. If this is the option that you would prefer, you can prepare your house to enable you to continue working and engaging friends without leaving your house.

If you would like to take DUI classes, you need to find a licensed DUI school in California. Jackson Bibby Awareness Group is a top-class DUI school that is staffed by licensed experts. We offer group and individual sessions online which gives you superb flexibility and safety.