Hi Rich,

Ive read this entire thread now and wanted to make a few points.

First, thanks so much for posting your story regardless of how hard that was. You have undoubtedly helped others who decided to not drink and drive because of your story, or others (like me) who read your story and it reinforced that we need to stop drinking. There is real positive value in that.

Second, I am somewhat shocked you still haven’t been charged yet (or indicted) whatever the term is. It’s been about a year and if I’m understanding things right, the police (or DA’s office) still hasn’t subpoenaed your medical records from the hospital that took the blood sample? That is ridiculous to me. Doing something like that for the DA’s Office is so routine they probably have a form ready to go and just need to plug your name in.

I interpret all of this to mean that for whatever reason your DUI case is just not a priority for the police or DA, which is a good thing for you. While stressful for you no doubt, I think no news is actually good news. I’m guessing your lawyer agrees.

Third, my own thought is that people aren’t being “intrusive” with their questions. The whole point of this website (I think) is to help people quit their drinking. So if you’re here, people are going to ask if you’re still drinking since that’s the goal. It’s a legitimate (albeit tough) question that will be asked.

If you are still drinking, I’d recommend you go back and read that letter you wrote back on p. 2 or 3. It was really good. Also, there are a lot of people on this very thread who have admitted to multiple DUIs. I think you need to give some thought on this point: it’s not a foregone conclusion that this first DUI arrest has taught you the lesson to never drink and drive again. One way to look at all of this is that you were lucky this time around because you didn’t kill anyone. Physical injuries can heal and can be compensated with using insurance money. I realize your sober self will probably never drink and drive again. But do you’re trust your drunk self to do the right thing 100% of the time? I know I surely didn’t.

Anyway, I wish you the best. Thanks again for sharing your story.

I read about mandatory minimums for this type of charge, and that is very scary. Remember Mandela served 27 years in prison and went on to become president of South Africa. People do time and do survive even if the very worse happens. I can’t imagine how you feel and the fear. We are here for you and wish you well. I’ve read every post in this thread. We all post here because we do care and it could have and could be anyone of us in your shoes.

I’m glad you posted Rich. Your nervousness is completely understandable. Try to keep working as much as possible. Work could be a productive distraction while waiting for the outcome. Work, AA, volunteering, keeping clean and showing the sober, well adjusted, repented side of you will make this incident look like an extremely unfortunate one time incident and not your character to the court. Your story really does keep so many of us from drinking and driving. I think about your story every time I consider slipping, I could easily end up in your shoes if I drink again.