What to Do If Your Child is Arrested for DUI

Posted on February 21, 2017
  • DUI

    • Every parent dreads waking up to a phone call from law enforcement saying their child has been arrested because they were found driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Emotions like frustration and confusion often take over, leading most parents to be extremely angry with their child, and while we don’t think it’s unwarranted, it’s important to recognize that as a parent you have an important duty to help your child through this process. That being said, while your child may not be able to face the harshness of the criminal justice system on their own, there are a few things you can do to help them get through this incident while also teaching them a valuable lesson.

    Don’t Abandon Your Child

    When you get that phone call, you may be tempted to say “Oh well, they can handle it on their own. I’m not helping them if they’re going to do something that stupid.” This isn’t the best approach to take. Your child has reached out to you because they trust you and know you can help them get through this trial, and the worst thing you can do is betray that trust. It’s perfectly normal to want your child to learn their lesson from this incident, but don’t hesitate to come to their rescue, no matter how frustrated or angry you might be with them.

    Keep Them On Top of Their Duties

    One of the best ways to prevent someone from making the same mistake again is to have them complete the DUI prosecution process on their own. It’s a good idea to have your child take responsibility for their actions and complete the necessary steps using their own efforts, but as a parent it’s important to understand that missing a deadline or making a mistake could have detrimental consequences on their future. Don’t hesitate to intervene and keep them on track with their required duties as part of their arrest while also making sure they do these things on their own.

    Seek Legal Counsel on Their Behalf

    Even though a DUI for someone aged 17 or under may be tried in Juvenile Court, the consequences could still extend into their adult criminal record as well, especially if they don’t have a Noblesville DUI attorney fighting on their behalf. Having a qualified lawyer on your side can help them preserve their rights and their future, including fighting back to limit the consequences that prosecution may try to impose on them for what’s otherwise a simple mistake.