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

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Actually, yes. That's why each incident is its own court case. There is a happy medium between "no meaningful jail time" and "throwing the book at him for the next half decade". For some people, a short jail time, counseling, and a suspended license is enough punishment to prevent recidivism. Simply throwing them in the can for 3 to 5 years is just outright punishment with no thought for future prevention.

Taking away the ability for Judges and Prosecutors to evaluate individual cases on their merits and force mandatory sentences does a disservice to all of us.

I'm not as optimistic as you when it comes to believing short sentences and helping the person in cases like drunk driving will do the job and reduce recidivism.

Treating it like it's essentially a harmless crime until it's not is what allows people to think they can drive drunk.

Maybe I need to look into recidivism rates for people who got counselling and short sentences to see if they were caught doing it again within three to five years of receiving that help.

This is ridiculous because the law can't punish a "what if" - that's just not how our justice system works nor should it. DUI sentencing is serious, and part of it is attending a Victim Impact Panel, where a defendant hears from people who have lost loved ones to drunk driving - the point is to drive home how serious the offense could potentially be, but at the end of the day we can't sentence cititzens based on potential outcomes.

I disagree. The dangers of drunk driving as well documented. By choosing to do it, youre choosing to ignore risk that you killing someone is much higher than it normally would be. It's not so much about potential at that point. While it's not intent either, it's pretty damn close.
 

way more

Member
Treating it like it's essentially a harmless crime until it's not is what allows people to think they can drive drunk.

Maybe I need to look into recidivism rates for people who got counselling and short sentences to see if they were caught doing it again within three to five years of receiving that help.

The courts treat DUI's as essentially a harmless crime? Like what, jaywalking or running out a parking meter?
 

jackal27

Banned
Glad you didn't hurt anyone or yourself.

Also, you're 25? Quit freaking out. You've got plenty of time are certainly not trash. Good lord. Can't drive until you're almost 27? Well I'm almost 28 and 25 feels like a week ago. You're going to be fine.

Pick yourself up and move forward. Get to a counselor as well from the sound of things.

Oh and don't drive drunk, but that should be obvious.
 
The courts treat DUI's as essentially a harmless crime? Like what, jaywalking or running out a parking meter?

When you don't mandate jail time across the board for a first offence of drunk driving, it can give the impression it's not a serious crime to some people.

That feeds into the idea that they can drive drunk and not worry about the consequences.

Oh, we'll just get a slap on the wrist. Maybe a fine, points on our licence, maybe a suspended licence, but jail time? that's probably not going to happen for a first offence of driving drunk.
 
If your in the US, be prepared to shell out the big bucks for lawyer fees, fines, etc. My buds father got a DUI and ended up spending close to 10 grand after all was done.

Next time, call a taxi. I see you even thought about calling a taxi? But didn't? There is no excuse in the world for that.

Be thankful you didn't kill somebody or yourself.

Good luck, just remember it could have been MUCH worse and use this as a good life lesson going forward.

EDIT: I may be thinking of a DWI that costs so much.
 

Future

Member
More scared of what people or parents think than not risking the lives of others.

I won't pretend I haven't seen people drive drunk. I know why it happens. But dude you fucked up. Just think... If you just got the taxi and dealt with your parents, then you wouldn't have had to deal with the arrest, jail time, license suspension... And still your parents. Hopefully the choice is crystal clear next time
 

Miletius

Member
Give yourself a day to mope, cry, and be depressed about it. Then, wake up the every day, be thankful that something serious didn't happen to you or somebody else. No doubt about it, your life is gonna get a lot harder for a while. But if you can take this as a lesson, meet the challenges set out for you you'll have a better chance of coming out of it as a better person. Get help for your mental health issues.

Also, find something in your life you can be proud of in some way. Learning Japanese might be a good start. Maybe you can set a goal for yourself to take that time you would spend behind the wheel or otherwise on the road and use it to learn even more.

And just to be clear, I don't condone your actions in any way. But you have to make the most of the luck you had in not doing anything harm last night. Do yourself a favor and do whatever it takes to make it right.
 

Laieon

Member
Kid made a huge mistake and gaf gonna put him through the coals. OP if you end up in jail stick with your race. Jail don't care about who you rep just your skin, county is a walk in the park compared to prison anyway.

He's 25. He hasn't been a kid for awhile now.
 

Christopher

Member
He's 25. He hasn't been a kid for awhile now.

It's not the 1970s for the 1980s anymore where people could provide for themselves at such a young age and with people going to college and having difficulty finding jobs once graduated I can understand

The man knows he fucked up show a little compassion and be understanding
 

Shaanyboi

Banned
You fucked up big time. Sorry, zero fucking compassion for someone stupidly putting the lives of others at risk let alone their own. Don't care about your girl troubles or anxiety - it doesn't make me feel softer about you making a stupid drunken choice like that.

Don't know how cabs work? Ask someone at the fucking bar. Plan your way home before you go out. You are not a fucking child.

You're not trash but you better learn from this. Need help with your personal issues? See someone about it. That help exists for a reason. Oh speaking of existing for a reason... so do cabs
 

udiie

Member
DUI sentencing should be just as aggressive as if you kill someone while driving drunk.

this would not fix the problem, only imprison more people
harsher punishments =/= reduction of crime

im not saying he doesnt deserve to be imprisoned, but thats not the way we should go about solving the problem of DUIs. tbh this criminal record mark will probably do more damage to his future than we can predict
 

MANGOD

Banned
Surprised by the amount of well wishers in this. FUCK YOU OP, you selfish cunt. Indangering the lives of others and quit trying to justify it with your sob story. Get help
 

Sanjuro

Member
Did you take a field test or breathalyzer?

At least in my area, always reject that, get bailed, lawyer up. If it's a random first offense, then usually you should get out OKAY.
 
When you don't mandate jail time across the board for a first offence of drunk driving, it can give the impression it's not a serious crime to some people.

That feeds into the idea that they can drive drunk and not worry about the consequences.

Oh, we'll just get a slap on the wrist. Maybe a fine, points on our licence, maybe a suspended licence, but jail time? that's probably not going to happen for a first offence of driving drunk.
DWI repeat offenses don't happen because of light sentences. They happen because the person is a genuine idiot or alcoholic.

And it isn't "light." The process is far longer and drawn out than one thinks. Most defense attorneys would agree that assault and robbery cases are a cakewalk compared to how long a DWI process is.
 

Hatchtag

Banned
Did you take a field test or breathalyzer?

At least in my area, always reject that, get bailed, lawyer up. If it's a random first offense, then usually you should get out OKAY.

Weird, that'd be terrible advice in my area. If you're not drunk or not that drunk and want hard evidence of that? Take the breathalyzer. Otherwise it's the cop's word versus yours.

Anyways OP, I'd be surprised if this was too damaging. Two of the delivery drivers I work with have had DUIs, and they're fucking delivery drivers.
 

Sanjuro

Member
Weird, that'd be terrible advice in my area. If you're not drunk or not that drunk and want hard evidence of that? Take the breathalyzer. Otherwise it's the cop's word versus yours.

Anyways OP, I'd be surprised if this was too damaging. Two of the delivery drivers I work with have had DUIs, and they're fucking delivery drivers.

You rather have the officer's word AND breathalyzer evidence vs. officer's word?

Don't say anything to the cop. Go to lockup. Lawyer up.
 

Hatchtag

Banned
You rather have the officer's word AND breathalyzer evidence vs. officer's word?

Don't say anything to the cop. Go to lockup. Lawyer up.

Depends on how drunk you were. If you weren't drunk or didn't think you were that drunk? You'd definitely want that breathalyzer test so you had hard evidence proving so.
 
Always these amazing explanations with DUIs. Pathetic.

B-b-but a girl talked to me!

It's not the 1970s for the 1980s anymore where people could provide for themselves at such a young age and with people going to college and having difficulty finding jobs once graduated I can understand

The man knows he fucked up show a little compassion and be understanding

So a poor job market excuses general iodocy? Some things have no excuses.

Granted if I knew the guy personally and it wasn't a habit I'd try to help, but getting caught driving drunk isn't something you announce to a group of strangers and expect compassion and understanding.
 

RulkezX

Member
This is such a weird place sometimes.

A 25 year old man got raging drunk ( by the description of what he's saying he drank and the fact he couldn't find his way home) and decided to attempt to drive home and gets loads of sympathy for his "woe is me, make me feel better GAF" post.

So yeah, has a high quality education at what he calls a high end school, but its incapable of using a smartphone to call a cab, asking a barman to call a cab or along anyone of the other adults in the bar if they had a can number?

You really deserve everything that comes dude, and is time to stop making thin excuses for shitty life choices and start acting like an adult.


The guy is *unable* to do simple life skills like calling himself a cab , he also clearly has issues functioning in society and has ( or at least has a history of) mental health issues yet people are telling him to just up sticks and move to another country....
 

MicH

Member
You don't know how to call a cab? If you plan on drinking you better have the number to your local taxi service in your phone or something so that you always have a way to get home.
 
You don't know how to call a cab? If you plan on drinking you better have the number to your local taxi service in your phone or something so that you always have a way to get home.
That part just seems absurd. In the age of Uber, how is there someone who can manipulate the internet proficiently enough to have and use a GAF account but has no idea how to call a ride, and also can't figure out how to obtain instructions?

Edit: Nevermind, I was remembering the OP wrong, it wasn't that he didn't know how to call a cab, he just didn't feel like it.

Consider it a blessing you didn't hurt someone or yourself OP. Take up a hobby, join a group for it, exercise, and create a realistic 5 year plan to get into a job you can support yourself with, etc. It's fine to feel sorry for yourself after fucking up this badly but don't make a habit of it.
 
I'm truly sorry that you had to experience that, OP. Know that your life isn't ruined nor over, but that a lesson has been learned. Your family still loves you. We've all made some poor decisions in our life.

At the age of 22 I had a scare when I was pulled over by a police officer and failed the sobriety test. He handcuffed me and brought me into the police station where I agreed to do a breathalyser test. Thankfully, I was just under the legal limit by 0.02.

That experience taught me that it simply wasn't worth it to drive under the influence. If you feel as if you're too drunk to drive a vehicle and chose not to call a taxi, family member or friend, set your alarm for several hours and take a little nap in your car or find a late night diner to sober up for a few hours.
 
This DUI was a wakeup call about your lack of self-esteem and a cry for help about your mental health in relation to those suicide attempts. Go for therapy about both the drinking, self-esteem, friend making, and depression/suicidal ideation. A hit to your license should be the least of your worries compared to your mental health.

This. I get anxious in social settings too, but suicide attempts are a whole ballpark altogether. Seek professional help, GAF isn't the place for this kind of advice.
 

Enco

Member
1. Your "friends" sound shit
2. You shouldn't be so scared of your parents. You're an adult
3. You need to stop being a push over
4. You need to do what you want. Not what others want
5. Go to the doc if you feel you need help
6. You'll be ok
 
This is such a weird place sometimes.

A 25 year old man got raging drunk ( by the description of what he's saying he drank and the fact he couldn't find his way home) and decided to attempt to drive home and gets loads of sympathy for his "woe is me, make me feel better GAF" post.

I'm really surprised by it, as well. It happened before with another GAF member. Lots of sympathy like this.

Meanwhile, any non-gaffer thread about a drunk driver tears them apart. Very weird that we have a defense force for someone who specifically chose not to mother asking how to call a cab. Unbelievable.
 

NateDog

Member
I'm sorry OP, I feel for you, sounds like you've had things rough, but you really should have just taken a taxi at that rate for your own sake and for other's. Best of luck man.
 

SeanR1221

Member
Yeah you fucked up pretty good on this one. I'm just glad no one was killed.

I'd say your best bet is to try and learn a trade between now and when you turn 27. Learn from a mechanic, carpenter, electrician...do something. Do you really want to be working at a grocery store when you're almost 30? You need to start taking responsibility and weighing risk vs reward. Calling your parents and getting "grounded" at 25 is waaaaay better than something that will follow you for the rest of your life.

Also, remember your job options just narrowed because this will turn up in a criminal background check.
 

MicH

Member
That part just seems absurd. In the age of Uber, how is there someone who can manipulate the internet proficiently enough to have and use a GAF account but has no idea how to call a ride, and also can't figure out how to obtain instructions?

Edit: Nevermind, I was remembering the OP wrong, it wasn't that he didn't know how to call a cab, he just didn't feel like it.

Consider it a blessing you didn't hurt someone or yourself OP. Take up a hobby, join a group for it, exercise, and create a realistic 5 year plan to get into a job you can support yourself with, etc. It's fine to feel sorry for yourself after fucking up this badly but don't make a habit of it.
In an earlier post he was asked why he didn't call a cab and he answered "I have no fucking clue how to do that" which is just unbelievable to me
 
It's not the 1970s for the 1980s anymore where people could provide for themselves at such a young age and with people going to college and having difficulty finding jobs once graduated I can understand

The man knows he fucked up show a little compassion and be understanding

All he did was make lame excuses and produce a sob story for his actions.

There is something lacking in this day and age, personal responsibility.

It always someone or something else's fault.

Would you be so liberal if he killed a family?

Drink drivers are scum, selfishly getting behind the wheel drunk and putting others at risk.
 
In an earlier post he was asked why he didn't call a cab and he answered "I have no fucking clue how to do that" which is just unbelievable to me

He was afraid of how his parents would react was the excuse in the initial post.

Better to drive drunk supposedly, they would be happier it seems?
 

Nocebo

Member
What do you plan on doing next time OP?
All he did was make lame excuses and produce a sob story for his actions.

There is something lacking in this day and age, personal responsibility.

It always someone or something else's fault.

Would you be so liberal if he killed a family?
I agree. And not only "a" family, what about "your" family? What if he killed some of his own family or family of a fellow Gaffer. Talk about embarrassment huh? I can't wait for the time when people are no longer allowed to drive on public roads unassisted.
 

mrklaw

MrArseFace
1 - you're a fucking idiot and get a damn taxi next time. Seriously, you could have killed someone. And it doesn't even sound like you were a little drunk, you sounded plenty drunk. Get the damn Taxi to drop you round the corner if you are worried what your parents will say. Although 'I got a cab because I had a drink so couldn't drive back' sounds pretty ok to me.

2- you need to stop with the put downs, or get help to stop. Plenty of people are 25 and living with parents - movi out is expensive. Also plenty of people don't even have a job, so working a regular job in a store is nothing to beat yourself up about.
 

2MF

Member
I think the DUI is the least of your problems, and in fact it's just a symptom of all the other problems you have. Get legal help on the DUI to get it settled, and don't ever repeat that mistake.

Most of all you need to take care of your mental health, or you will have more problems like this (or worse) in the future. Get help, don't be afraid to ask for advice from those near you.

You have your parents and you're still young, so you're far from being in a hopeless situation. Best of luck and don't hesitate to ask for advice!
 

Rich!

Member
I would say best of luck, but that would be a false representation of what I actually feel.

So I just won't say anything other than I am thankful no one innocent was killed by you.
 

thetrin

Hail, peons, for I have come as ambassador from the great and bountiful Blueberry Butt Explosion
Wut? In Tokyo the trains stop just after midnight, IIRC. There's a mad rush for those last trains full of vomit and drunkards.

Well sure, but there's still a train at 11:30, if you live in the city. More than I can say for most of America.

1 - you're a fucking idiot and get a damn taxi next time. Seriously, you could have killed someone. And it doesn't even sound like you were a little drunk, you sounded plenty drunk. Get the damn Taxi to drop you round the corner if you are worried what your parents will say. Although 'I got a cab because I had a drink so couldn't drive back' sounds pretty ok to me.

2- you need to stop with the put downs, or get help to stop. Plenty of people are 25 and living with parents - movi out is expensive. Also plenty of people don't even have a job, so working a regular job in a store is nothing to beat yourself up about.

Most parents would be happy you made the responsible decision.
 

DarkFlow

Banned
This forum is the worst to its members no community aspect at all the way some of you respond.

OP please feel better and feel free to PM me even if you would just like to talk and blow off steam
I'm sorry but I don't think we should be coddling someone who got a DUI because they were too scared to call there mommy. He threw all that other shit in there so people would feel bad for him and deflect blame away from himself.
 
In an earlier post he was asked why he didn't call a cab and he answered "I have no fucking clue how to do that" which is just unbelievable to me
Oh ok, that is completely absurd then.

What exactly do you think calling a cab entails OP? The only way that claim makes sense is if you also have no fucking clue how to use a phone, because that's all there is to it. And if you really are completely incapable of handling it, just ask someone at the bar to call a cab for you.
 

JBourne

maybe tomorrow it rains
Where in VA did you get it? I'm a paralegal in Richmond, we cover a bunch of surrounding counties and the Tidewarer region.
 

SilentRob

Member
This is such a weird place sometimes.

A 25 year old man got raging drunk ( by the description of what he's saying he drank and the fact he couldn't find his way home) and decided to attempt to drive home and gets loads of sympathy for his "woe is me, make me feel better GAF" post.

So yeah, has a high quality education at what he calls a high end school, but its incapable of using a smartphone to call a cab, asking a barman to call a cab or along anyone of the other adults in the bar if they had a can number?

You really deserve everything that comes dude, and is time to stop making thin excuses for shitty life choices and start acting like an adult.


The guy is *unable* to do simple life skills like calling himself a cab , he also clearly has issues functioning in society and has ( or at least has a history of) mental health issues yet people are telling him to just up sticks and move to another country....


"Stop with the anxiety and mental issues, just start being an adult, sheesh!"

Wow, guys. Some of these comments are beyond terrible. The guy obviously already knows he fucked up, he spend many, many sentences telling you how lowly he thinks of himself because of this incident. The problem obviously isn't that he doesn't get it. Why is there any need to keep telling him what an asshole he is for what he did, when he already thinks worse of himself than any of you combined? What does that accomplish, except of you making yourself feel superior?

OP: You are not trash, you made a mistake. We all make mistakes, the only difference is how we deal with them. You seemed to be on a great path, making friends, going out, having fun.

Realize that your collegue INVITED YOU to hang out with you. Not only that, but it seems like it wasn't a one time offering but he regularly wanted to spent time with you, even though he could have just hung out with his girlfriend. He likes you and wants to spend time with you. Seems to me like you are friends. That also means that you can tell him if you don't want to do something. That's part of friendship. Don't be afraid to come off as weak - we are all weak in our own ways - and not wanting to get dead drunk certainly isnt a weakness ;)

Leaving you alone in a bar is an asshole thing to do, but only if she would've just left you there without asking. But she told you - why don't you ask to tag along next time? Why don't you tell her you rather don't want to stay alone at a bar? Nobody likes to be suddenly abandonded on a night out with a friend. She'd probably understand why that would feel awkward for you. Most people feel the same way and are afraid of the same things about social situations like that. Be aware of that and don't be afraid to open up to people who obviously like you.

Wish you the best.
 

cyberheater

PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 PS4 Xbone PS4 PS4
What nationality/race are you OP?

I'm just trying to understand your cultural background.
 

SilentRob

Member
Social anxiety and GAF-diagnosed mental illnesses aren't an excuse for drunk driving. It's fine to give the OP advice going forward but he totally deserved all the shit he's getting.

Again:

"The guy obviously already knows he fucked up, he spend many, many sentences telling you how lowly he thinks of himself because of this incident. The problem obviously isn't that he doesn't get it. Why is there any need to keep telling him what an asshole he is for what he did, when he already thinks worse of himself than any of you combined? What does that accomplish, except of you making yourself feel superior?"

It's one thing if he would be sitting here talking about how fun that drunken drive was. But he's not doing that. The ONLY thing these comments are here for is to make their authors feel morally superior. There is no value in them whatsoever.
 
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