A Client's Letter of Hope

[The following anonymous letter was sent to Mr. Head by one of his clients.  She wrote this letter to help her “vent” her frustrations and stress about her DUI arrest.  She has given permission for this letter to be posted on his web sites and given to his firm’s prospective clients.  Her DUI was ultimately reduced to reckless driving, which saved her job.]

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February 4, 2006

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

It has been a little over two months since one of the most memorable nights in my 34 years occurred.  That was the night I was arrested for DUI.

Perhaps I should preface this message by revealing a few things about myself.  I am a truly blessed individual and throughout the course of these last two months, still believe so!  I am blessed with a wonderful husband who is faithful, loving, honest and kind.  I am blessed with a wonderful career that has taken me to countries such as Canada, Germany, Ireland, Greece and Spain as well as most places in the United States.

I have a great family both here and in Honduras, where I was born.  I have seen and done things that most folks have not done in their lifetimes.  I’ve traveled all through Europe, Chile, Argentina and Honduras.  I’ve hiked the most beautiful peaks and volcanoes of Chile, snorkeled off the keys of Belize and rang in the New Year in 2000 in a small village in Bariloche, Argentina.  So to say that the night of my DUI arrest was one of the MOST memorable means a lot.

I began writing this article the week my DUI arrest happened, partially at the suggestion of my attorney, William Head.  I started writing this article with much anger and resentment toward the DUI task force officer who arrested me.  This follows the absolute shock and embarrassment that this arrest had happened at all.  As you can see from the remainder of this article, months have gone by and my outlook has changed; although the embarrassment has not gone away.

Despite being accused of a crime that I do not believe I committed, I never stopped believing that I am very blessed and extremely fortunate.  This belief in my good fortune increases more and more each day.  Heck, at times, I even thank the system that this happened, for I have learned a lot.  I’ve always believed that when you are thrown lemons, you make lemonade.  Life will always throw you twist and turns.  It’s how you maneuver through them that can make a difference in your outcome in the road of life.

Throughout the last two months, I have learned new things about myself --- things I would have never learned had I not been arrested for a DUI.   I’d like to share them with you so that you can learn from my mistakes and successes throughout this time.

• I’ve learned that the City of Atlanta detention center is disorganized to the maximum possible degree.  It is not networked, so you need to repeat to a variety of individuals yourself multiple times.  (A business process consultant would have a field day in that environment).
• I’ve learned that when you are in jail, to the folks who work there, you are considered to be no better than the ladies “selling sex” who have been incarcerated for prostitution, escorting without a license and illegal massage.  (I could write a whole article on the wonders of the some of Atlanta’s fair ladies).
• I’ve learned that a DUI doesn’t just happen to that drunk person sitting alone in a bar wallowing over a drink.  They happen to everyday individuals like you and me.
• I’ve learned that you have legal rights, but that you need to educate yourself on the laws of DUI BEFORE you are pulled over. I can’t urge this enough, so I will repeat. YOU NEED TO KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AND THE DUI LAW EVEN IF YOU DON’T THINK A DUI WILL EVER HAPPEN TO YOU.
• I’ve learned hat you can be charged with a DUI if you’ve had only one drink within an hour of driving – even if it’s your only drink of the night.
• I’ve learned the differences between low risk and high risk choices.
• I’ve learned that you can only wallow in sadness over your charges for so long, and that you need to turn over your legal problem to an expert to handle.
• I’ve learned that you don’t need to share your situation with everyone in the world.
• I’ve learned that support is critical from those you trust enough to tell.
• I’ve learned that there are a lot of people out there who have experienced a DUI arrest.  Some people, like me, learn that all you need is one time to realize the stupidity of your actions. This is a mistake I will never make again in my life!  At my DUI school, I’ve met and heard of more people who have gotten multiple DUIs over the course of 5 years, yet still survived.  This is why I am a firm believer that life will always throw you twist and turns; but that it’s how you maneuver through them that can make the difference in your outcome in the road of life.

• I’ve learned from my involvement in community service that volunteering is wonderful.  I’ve prepared food for homeless people; I’ve handed out food at shelters, parks and gas stations in the worst parts of Atlanta.  I’ve worked at a women’s shelter and helped homeless women pick out clothes.  I urge you to try it with “Hands on Atlanta”.
• I’ve learned to not fear those who are less fortunate but to greet them with a smile and a open mind.  It is truly amazing what a genuine statement like “Have a blessed day” can do to brighten up someone’s day.
• I’ve also learned during community service work how to disassemble a computer and how to enhance a computer’s performance.
• I’ve learned that 4 hours a week is not a lot to take out of our busy lives to help others who are less fortunate and need a helping hand.

I could go on with what I’ve learned throughout my last few months from my arrest because there are so many things to share.  The most valuable lesson I have learned is that I will never go through this again.  I have learned the difference between high risk and low risk choices. Take it from one who knows from experience: making low risk choices is a lot more rewarding and a lot less costly than making high risk choices.

I’d like to leave you this final word.  If you who think this can never happen to you, IT CAN.  For those of you this has happened to, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.  Remember, when you are handed lemons, make lemonade you’ll be amazed at what you can learn.

Anonymous