How to Handle the Stress of a DUI Charge in Rhode Island

When you are pulled over and charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) by the police in Rhode Island it can be stressful and frightening. Not only do you have to worry about the uncertainty of the situation with what will happen in court but you also face the shock of being arrested, maybe for the first time. When you are booked and processed at the police station, it can be an overwhelming experience.

At Ellison Law LLC, we are aware it’s not an easy process to get arrested for a DUI in Rhode Island but there are certain things that you can do to slowly overcome the challenge of being criminally charged with a DUI in Rhode Island. We understand that it’s crucial that you have the right support system to move forward.

In this blog post we will discuss some practical strategies that will help you handle the stress of being criminally charged with a DUI in Rhode Island.

Hire a Professional DUI Attorney in Rhode Island

Instead of having to deal with all the legal procedures by yourself, you have the constitutional right to hire an attorney to help and represent you through the entire process. Dealing with the court on your own can be difficult, tiring and scary. DUIs in Rhode Island are a very technical crime with technical penalties and procedures that the police have to follow. It can be very helpful to have a professional DUI lawyer in Rhode Island who has extensive knowledge of Rhode Island law, how the procedures are done in the court, and familiar with the process of a DUI to help you navigate the legal system.

Having a professional to represent you can help alleviate the stress of being charged with a DUI because they can answer all of the questions you may have. These questions may be routine for the attorney who has handled DUIs in the past.

Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

It’s easy to get stuck in feelings of guilt and shame. It’s sometimes hard to face the reality of what happened but you have to remember that we are all humans, and nobody is perfect. Sometimes we make mistakes and that’s okay. The problem isn’t making mistakes. The solution lies in how we can fix what happened and how we can avoid the mistake in the future.

You have to remember that, eventually, you’re going to get out of this situation. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Being hard on yourself and constantly getting upset at yourself won’t help to speed up your case nor the process of moving on. If you are truly struggling and it is getting in the way of your daily life, it might make sense to seek a professional therapist to talk about the feelings and thoughts you are having.

Open Up with Your Attorney

If you’re having a really difficult time it’s important that you mention this to your attorney. They are more likely to not only understand your situation but they’re going to suggest the best options for you, like counseling, that can help with the way you’re feeling. Remember that they have years of experience dealing with this exact situation with many clients that have faced similar charges as you.

Face the Stressful Feelings

Many people charged with a DUI could be feeling shame and embarrassment. Shame is a perception of having done something wrong, immoral or improper while embarrassment can be the fear of being judged by others plus the failure to comply with social norms.

It’s important to acknowledge, understand and accept your feelings because this will allow you to regain control and avoid a downward spiral of negative thoughts. Shame and embarrassment can be powerful emotions that can paralyze you. Although you’re facing a very serious charge, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of your life or that you have to do it alone.

These feelings can add unnecessary stress and pressure when instead you could rely on a Rhode Island DUI attorney that will help and guide you through this difficult time. You could ask them all types of questions and have a clear understanding of your situation and all the possible outcomes.

Be Ready to Work with Your Attorney

You may think that by hiring an attorney and letting them do their work, you can forget your case because everything is going to disappear in a couple of days or weeks; instead, it’s very likely that you will have to be in court numerous times in the coming months. You will also need to work with your attorney to go over the evidence and possible outcomes of your case.

In a Rhode Island DUI case, there are three main stages the case might have to go through: arraignment, pre-trial conferences and potentially trial. This is why it’s important to have legal representation because they can explain your rights, help you understand the charges against you, and work tirelessly to defend your case. They will help you to create the best strategy for you and your situation.

It is important to have conversations with your DUI lawyer so you aren’t surprised by the evidence, process and potential penalties.

Practice Self Care

Taking care of yourself can help reduce stress. This can include focusing on your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. You should engage in activities that can reduce stress and help you in a positive, healthy way, such as, exercise, meditation, or spending time outside.

Contact Ellison Law LLC for Legal Representation on a Rhode Island DUI Charge

Navigating the stress of a DUI charge in Rhode Island can be fearsome and emotionally taxing but you don’t have to face it alone. The criminal defense attorneys at Ellison Law LLC understand the law and the procedures of a DUI. We understand how stressful this situation can be for you. We make sure to take this into account in our legal representation of you.

Contact our DUI defense lawyers in Rhode Island today at 401-230-5520 to schedule a consultation for legal representation today