For many people facing a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge, this experience serves as a wake-up call that they are struggling with a serious substance use disorder (SUD). Whether you made a singular ill-advised decision or are struggling with addiction, you may wonder if rehab will help your DUI case in Oklahoma.
While the specifics of your case and the laws surrounding it will ultimately dictate the outcome, entering a rehab program has the potential to positively influence your legal situation. Consulting with an Oklahoma DUI defense attorney can help you determine the best approach.
Rehab Demonstrates Your Commitment to Change
Your judge may recognize that a DUI is a symptom of a deeper issue, like addiction. By voluntarily enrolling in a certified rehab program, you send a powerful message to the court that you are taking accountability and are committed to change.
According to Oklahoma Mental Health & Substance Abuse, nearly 300,000 Oklahomans report currently living with SUD, and 90% of those who go on to receive proper, evidence-based treatment get better. Because of this success rate, showing that you are actively enrolled in a rehab program can prove your genuine intent to make lasting changes and prevent future offenses.
Potential Mitigation of Penalties
Voluntarily attending a program may help mitigate the severity of your sentencing in Oklahoma, especially if it was a first-time offense. Potential benefits could include:
- Reduced Jail Time: Proactively seeking treatment may help increase the chance of avoiding or significantly reducing a custodial sentence, as the court may favor rehabilitation over incarceration.
- Licensing Considerations: Completing a certified treatment program could influence decisions regarding the duration of your driving ban or ability to obtain a restricted license. For example, instead of losing your license, you may be allowed to travel specifically for treatment sessions or work.
- Favorable Judicial Perception: Your willingness to enter a program prior to a mandated court order could lead to more positive alternatives, such as probation or non-custodial alternatives.
Repeat DUI offenses in Oklahoma carry much more severe penalties. By proactively addressing substance abuse through rehab, you acknowledge the problem and may avoid the escalation of penalties that come with repeat offenses.
Added Power of Expert Testimony
Another key benefit of attending rehab is that your counselor or addiction specialist from your treatment program can testify on your behalf. They may be able to demonstrate to the court how your actions were influenced by underlying addiction issues and that you are now willingly and actively engaged in a program to treat them.
Effective communication from your testimony, your defense attorney, and any experts can help speak to your willingness to recover. Your attorney may work with the treatment center, ensuring the court is kept informed and updated on your progress, attendance, and commitment during the program.
Types of Oklahoma Rehab Programs
There are two main types of programs available to you if you are considering entering a rehab program to help with your DUI case in Oklahoma. For severe addiction issues, inpatient treatment offers 24/7 care with an intensive focus on detoxing, therapy, and recovery. For a more flexible plan, outpatient care allows you to live at home while attending sessions.
While rehabilitation is not always a requirement for a first-time DUI offense, entering one of these treatment programs prior to any court mandate can help show you are being accountable for your actions and committed to being a safe driver in the future.