Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
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In most instances, it is admirable to give people a second chance. At times, however, character references for
driving under the influence of alcohol are needed before a second chance is given.
Applicants to the Coast Guard Who Have Received a DWI
If applicants to the Coast Guard have received alcohol related convictions such
as a DWI or DUI, the person evaluating the application has to consider the following:
- The number and severity of the convictions
- The recency of the convictions
- Evidence of rehabilitation or reform
The following represent acceptable evidence of rehabilitation or reform:
- Successful completion of an alcohol abuse education or treatment program
- Long-term active therapy in organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous
- Positive character references from responsible individuals who can verify the length of time the applicant has been sober and reliable
and who can describe the applicant's change in behavior since the driving offenses occurred.
Based on your answers to the health care provider's questions and upon the physical exam, it may be concluded that
you are indeed, addicted to alcohol, drugs, or both. At this point, your health care professional will discuss your treatment
options. Keep in mind that chemical dependency experts, like other specialists, will make various suggestions and recommendations
regarding your addiction. You, however, will need to be actively involved in the decision-making process if your treatment is
to be successful. |
A similar concept exists in certain parts of the world regarding driving under the influence. The idea here is that a
person who is appearing before a judge or jury can help his or her case by providing character references from people he or she knows
well and who can state how the defendant's offense is out of character.
Of course, the very best policy is to drink responsibly and in moderation so that you do not need another person's character reference for
your driving privileges.
| Alcohol addiction researchers have discovered that one of the key environmental factors that has influenced the
drinking behavior of people is the fact that alcohol abuse and alcoholism often occur in families. |
Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in Canada
In fact, there's actually a documented guide on how a person should write a character reference letter for use in criminal cases,
such as DUIs, in Canada. If, for instance, a person is pleading guilty or has been found guilty of a criminal offence in Canada, his
or her lawyer may request 5 or 6 character references from people who know the defendant's overall character and reputation in the
community.
The objective in obtaining these character references is to convince the Judge, jury, or prosecutor that the defendant has a reputation of
being a good citizen in the community, that the defendant feels great remorse for the offense, and the offense will never be repeated.
The use of character references for driving under the influence of alcohol even applies to individuals who apply for a Georgia Real Estate
License!
| It is important for drinkers to understand that when they frequently and regularly engage in abusive drinking such
as binge drinking, they increase the risk of becoming alcohol dependent. This fact is especially difficult for young
people, many of whom feel that they are "bullet-proof" and in total control over their drinking. |
Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol: Conclusion
Giving people a second change after receiving a DUI seem plausible if they can verify, through others, that they realize the mistakes
they have made and have taken steps to correct the problem.
Stated differently, character references for driving under the influence of alcohol are needed at times before a
"second chance" is given. Regarding something as serious as "driving under the influence," requiring character references before a second
chance is given seems to be a reasonable course of action.
Research has demonstrated that American young people are over-represented in driving accidents involving alcohol.
For instance, in a recent year, people from the age of 16 to 24 were involved in 28% of all alcohol-related driving accidents,
even though they make up only 14% of the U.S. population. Young people are also over-represented in drinking driver
injuries and deaths. |
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| In the earlier stages of alcohol addiction, the alcoholic had a choice whether he or she would take the first
drink. Once the alcoholic had the first drink, he or she usually lost all control and would then continue to drink. In the last
stage of alcoholism, however, alcoholics no longer have a choice: they must drink. |
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