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 "driving while intoxicated" (DWI) or "driving under the influence" (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.

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.

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!

Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol:  Conclusion

Giving people a second change after they have received a ticket for "driving under the influence" (DUI) or after they have been arrested for "driving while intoxicated" (DWI) seems plausible if they can verify, through others, that they realize the mistakes they have made and have taken steps to correct their drinking 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.

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