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I just got my first ever D.U.I...first time in jail, ever. :(

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borghe

Loves the Greater Toronto Area
eh... I've fucked up plenty in my life... and am a helluva lot older then 25.. you can bounce back from this at 25. you could bounce back from it at 30 or even 35, or older. The catch is TO bounce back from it. Learn from your mistake. If it's not hanging out with people who enable or encourage bad behavior, or if it's changing your perspective around to make better choices.. make those changes.

How is your insurance at the store? If it has any behavioral health benefits, I would think about using them. you have a lot of shit going on, and getting an unbiased (and hopefully intelligent) outside opinion on your life could provide just that perspective shift you might need.

Life will go on, and with good choices and a bit of patience, it is always possible to improve and succeed. Stop drifting and take action. I know it's easier said than done (I really do) but if people keep telling you, hopefully at some point you will feel empowered. Good luck man.

As for the license thing... I lasted about 18 months without a license. It sucked.. but even if it means changing your schedule to add an extra hour each way for buses or trains.. honestly it sucks yeah... but the sense that you made it work in spite of your fuck up actually feels good. Doing it the right way.
 

TomShoe

Banned
Start community college OP. Education is the quickest path to a better life. Find something you won't hate doing and that pays decently. Japanese is fun, but it doesn't pay the bills.
 

Watch Da Birdie

I buy cakes for myself on my birthday it's not weird lots of people do it I bet
Start community college OP. Education is the quickest path to a better life. Find something you won't hate doing and that pays decently. Japanese is fun, but it doesn't pay the bills.

I DID go to a college, a high-end one and was very successful at it. Now I have an English Degree and can't find a job anywhere here, but don't have enough to move---and I'm too cowardly to change things up that much. :(
 
Even if you're in a parking lot sleeping with keys out of the ignition?
I'm sure it depends on the state. I personally knew a guy who was sleeping in his car after a concert and was arrested. Not a parking lot, but street parking in the neighborhood of the venue.

Supposedly, you can be arrested for just walking toward your car with your keys on you but i don't know anyone who that happened to.
 

Tagyhag

Member
I DID go to a college, a high-end one and was very successful at it. Now I have an English Degree and can't find a job anywhere here, but don't have enough to move---and I'm too cowardly to change things up that much. :(

OP you're going to need to build up your confidence, I'm sure you knew that it wouldn't be easy getting jobs with an English degree so you must really love it, if you want a job that you love you're going to have to work for it.

Maybe start to work out? Try to be more social in a different more relaxed scene? You can take it slow, you're still very young.
 
You got off easy. You could have killed somebody. THEN your life would have been trash. You can still walk. You can still ride a bike. You could get a job at a local place and just try hard to make something of your life.
 
The thing that stands out about your story (that I haven't seen already mentioned) is that the girl in your story does not sound like your "friend" at all. She sounds like someone who doesn't give half a damn what happens to you.
 

Morrigan Stark

Arrogant Smirk
I have no fucking clue how to do that.

I don't live in a city with a good public transport system. I have no clue what number to call for a taxi.

Errr? You're 25, not 10. How do you function as an adult like that? You can just ask the bartender and they'll either give you a number to call, or call one for you. Come on... :/
 

Tunavi

Banned
Since you have attempted to commit suicide twice, just be happy you're alive. Don't try to think about the bad things, because you could be dead. Just think about the good things. Fuck it, you're alive.
 

Watch Da Birdie

I buy cakes for myself on my birthday it's not weird lots of people do it I bet
The thing that stands out about your story (that I haven't seen already mentioned) is that the girl in your story does not sound like your "friend" at all. She sounds like someone who doesn't give half a damn what happens to you.

I'm desperate enough for friends I cling to people like that---it always seems to happen.

There's, like, one friend in my entire life I legitimately think cared about me as a person and didn't just use me or keep me around for "entertainment", and I ruined that because I panicked and worried I'd lose them and ended up making them upset.
 

The Beard

Member
Virginia doesn't fuck around, even on the first offense...I have no prior records though, never even got a ticket, so that might help me.

I just hope I don't go to jail for five days, which is one of the possible charges VA does. I fucking freaked out in there for half-a-day, five days would destroy me. I'm the type of person who people can sense weakness in and would walk all over me.



Everything was closing, and I didn't want to be downtown by myself. I was upset and just wanted to get in bed and cry myself to sleep---which I ended up doing in a jail bed.



I have no fucking clue how to do that.

I don't live in a city with a good public transport system. I have no clue what number to call for a taxi. I wish I would've stayed at the bar till it closed all the way, maybe then one of the staff would realize I wasn't good and would've helped me out.

Isn't the number just all 7's 777-777-7777? I assume you have a smartphone, could've done a quick Google search.

Uber or Lyft would've worked as well.
 

braves01

Banned
I feel you OP. Own the fact you made a pretty serious mistake, but be thankful no one was hurt. I hope everything works out for you in the end.
 

BlackJace

Member
Sorry to hear that you seem to be down on your luck, OP. Hope that turns around for you.

That being said, I implore you to be more cautious and think about the potential to ruin (or end) your or someone's life.
 

Oppo

Member
well if cab or another ride was out of the question, i probably would have simply slept in the back seat. apparently thats chargeable in that part of the world? i would hope a cop would have more sympathy for someone who was "stranded drunk" and trying to sleep it off than actually driving drunk.
 
That sucks man. But you have to keep things in perspective. Nobody was hurt or killed. Your job might be shitty but the reality of things is that most people have shitty jobs, as long as it funds you doing what you want who gives a shit? There is a need for your job in our society, that's why you have it. And at least you've tried learning another language, even if you have hit a wall, not many people even try new things, especially such a daunting task. People live with their parents later and later in life now. Some people don't even have this option. Stay positive as much as you can.
 

Watch Da Birdie

I buy cakes for myself on my birthday it's not weird lots of people do it I bet
you done fucked up, co-worker of mine who got one 2 years ago, still fucking up his life today

How?

I have a decent amount in savings so I think I'll manage money wise, I just need to cut back on stuff.
 

Bboy AJ

My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
You can get a DUI for being anywhere near your car with your keys, especially inside it.

You can get arrested. But good luck having a cop prove the DUI.

How?

I have a decent amount in savings so I think I'll manage money wise, I just need to cut back on stuff.

How much do you have? What do you want to do with the money?
 

moered6

Banned
well if cab or another ride was out of the question, i probably would have simply slept in the back seat. apparently thats chargeable in that part of the world? i would hope a cop would have more sympathy for someone who was "stranded drunk" and trying to sleep it off than actually driving drunk.

yes it is

How?

I have a decent amount in savings so I think I'll manage money wise, I just need to cut back on stuff.

He has to go to drivers E.D class, aswell as a A.A every 2 weeks.( if he misses one class in the 3 years, he has to pay a fine).

also has to get special permission to be able to drive outside the city.

he hit a stop sign when under the influence which probably made it worse for him
 

Watch Da Birdie

I buy cakes for myself on my birthday it's not weird lots of people do it I bet
How much do you have? What do you want to do with the money?

About 7000, and a steady 300$ a week. I mean, yeah, this will put me back for sure, but I think I can pay off everything.

No clue what I want to do with it...
 

Bboy AJ

My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
About 7000, and a steady 300$ a week. I mean, yeah, this will put me back for sure, but I think I can pay off everything.

No clue what I want to do with it...

Bro... Why did you buy that woman's drinks? Why did you let her take advantage of you like that? Cut her out. Start moving forward.

Screw the GAF posters who want you to receive the death penalty. You screwed up big time, and you should definitely be held accountable, but you can recover from it.
 

highrider

Banned
You sound like you have good character and are an honorable guy. You also sound lost. Been there, fucked up plenty in life. Stay the course and learn from this. You might want to consider not drinking. It's dangerous for people with social anxiety, and I say this from personal experience as an old dude.
 

ZachJones

Neo Member
I know we don't know each other, but I'm always around to listen. Obviously most of us like games, so there's never any lack of conversation!
 

Oreoleo

Member
It's not the end of the world. You can usually get work privileges even with a suspended license. From the sounds of things you've got bigger problems on your plate anyway. Figure out what you need to do to fix your situation, and do it. There's no shame in getting help. Take care of yourself man, and good luck.
 

Watch Da Birdie

I buy cakes for myself on my birthday it's not weird lots of people do it I bet
He has to go to drivers E.D class, aswell as a A.A every 2 weeks.( if he misses one class in the 3 years, he has to pay a fine).

also has to get special permission to be able to drive outside the city

Was it his first offense?

I know I gotta take a class, but I can't imagine the other stuff...
 

Red

Member
It's difficult to feel sympathy for you. It's clear from the way you describe yourself and your life that you feel pathetic, and you want us to pity you. But the fact is you put yourself and others at risk because you were uncomfortable, and didn't want to be perceived as socially awkward. Which you obviously already were. You could have refused a drink at any point. You chose to stay when you were ditched, and you decided to get drunk while doing it. The night didn't go as planned, but the girl asked you if you were okay. You went along with the misdirection instead of correcting course.

Be happy you aren't hurt. Be especially happy you didn't hurt anyone else. Be thankful to the cop for stopping you before something worse happened. And do your best to learn from this.

No matter who you are, I promise you, I guarantee you, you are not more interesting when you drink. It won't change who you are. It will just make you drunk.
 

Dysun

Member
25 and living at home without many prospects is not the end of the world.
Be more responsible and seek other fruitful opportunities and good things will happen
 

TAJ

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
How the heck can you get a DUI if youre not in the car?

I know someone who got charged with DUI on a skateboard, but it got reduced to just public intoxication. He wasn't even operating the skateboard. He was getting pulled by a dog.
 

karasu

Member
I like how it says 'first time in jail, ever' like going to jail is a normal thing and you're late to the party.
 

TomShoe

Banned
Morality-GAF can be unbearable at times. He knows he fucked up. How about some suggestions for him to turn his life around?

Perhaps try looking for jobs somewhere, anywhere. If you got a nice pay raise, perhaps it would be worth the cost of moving.
 

Red

Member
Morality-GAF can be unbearable at times. He knows he fucked up. How about some suggestions for him to turn his life around?

Perhaps try looking for jobs somewhere, anywhere. If you got a nice pay raise, perhaps it would be worth the cost of moving.

It's not about being moral. Chastising a person for driving drunk is the same thing as suggesting how to turn things around. If you obviously fucked up, don't fuck up that way again.

Be more responsible. Be less foolish. Good things will start from there.
 

besada

Banned
You're lucky that's the worst that happened. No one likes a night in jail, but it's better than a night spent figuring out how you ran over that guy. So, there's the bright side.

Also, this is a pretty recoverable accident. Go find yourself a DUI lawyer. They'll make sure you get the minimums, which shouldn't be a problem given this is your first offense. A since the maximum penalty includes up to a year of jail time, getting the minimums is pretty important. In some jurisdictions they can even get the court to plea down out of the DUI into traffic infractions. Depends on the location and the lawyer.

The real problems you're about to have are financial. The maximum penalty for your class of DUI is $2500. It's probably going to run you a couple of grand for a DUI lawyer, assuming you don't go to trial. And the worst hit is going to be your insurance. You'll be moved to a high-risk pool for three years, with increases as high as $1000-$1500 a year.

So you're looking at a three-year recovery window from your mistake. That's not too bad, given what was on the line. Get your lawyer, do your court date, follow the rules given to you, and next time call a cab. If you don't know where to call a cab, look it up on the internet. In fact, put a taxi service in your phone today, so it'll be there later.
 
I've gone through it, it sucked. I learned my lesson, payed a bunch of money to the gov't and thankfully didn't hurt myself or anyone else.
 

Bboy AJ

My dog was murdered by a 3.5mm audio port and I will not rest until the standard is dead
Go find yourself a DUI lawyer. They'll make sure you get the minimums, which shouldn't be a problem given this is your first offense. A since the maximum penalty includes up to a year of jail time, getting the minimums is pretty important. In some jurisdictions they can even get the court to plea down out of the DUI into traffic infractions. Depends on the location and the lawyer.
Don't bother with this advice until you get an offer. You'll probably get the minimums on your own, anyway, since you have a clean record. If it isn't the minimum, then consider an attorney, but otherwise, save the cash.
 
D

Deleted member 17706

Unconfirmed Member
I have no fucking clue how to do that.

I don't live in a city with a good public transport system. I have no clue what number to call for a taxi. I wish I would've stayed at the bar till it closed all the way, maybe then one of the staff would realize I wasn't good and would've helped me out.

Awful answer that, quite honestly, shows exactly how much you're repenting for the seriously awful thing you did. Making excuses like this and shit... and I'm assuming you're sober right now.

Don't know how to call a cab? Do you not have a smartphone with Internet access? Even if not, you could have just asked someone at the bar or any other establishment.

I hope you learn from this and use it as motivation to get your shit together.
 
As much as I shit on NYC, it's nice to be able to drink a bunch late and just take the subway home. Never have to worry about stuff like this.
 

Weevilone

Member
You can get a DUI for being anywhere near your car with your keys, especially inside it.

It's going to depend on the locale, the cop, etc.. but in general you should be ok if you're not in the driver's seat. Hop in the back seat and take a nap if you must. That's way better than driving. Of course the cab was the obvious answer, or Uber, call the parents, whatever. I'm sure the parents would much rather pick you up than have you drive. Mine were clear that's what they wanted when I was 16, let alone 25.
 

moered6

Banned
Advice, get jobs closer to home( get a bike), start paying rent to your parents if you aren't already ( it will help you get used to managing money when you are on your own)

English Degree, so you like writing? ( work on sample articles that you can send to sites, or make YouTube videos that use the skills of your English Degree).

create a basic website to show off your portfolio and advertise to target demo.

below spoiler is ridiculous but it works
this is going to sound stupid, but write videogame articles with clickbait titles on your website if you have to about videogames and post on n4g,reddit,and other fanboy sites that will get you clicks. Sound ridiculous but those guys eat up anything. ( I actually did it for fun 2 years ago, got 16K clicks on one article)


I am serious, if yah want exposure it is easy
 

MickeyPhree

Member
Your lucky you didn't hurt/kill either someone or yourself. I don't understand why you couldn't call a cab.

good luck OP. I don't get it.
 
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