First Time DUI in Adams County: Things I wish I’d known about it

Hi. My name is Andy G. I’m a former client of The McShane Firm. I’m going to tell you things that I wish I knew about my first time DUI “experience” in Adams County. Things I wish someone told me as I was going through it. It’s been a bit since my case has been over. So I have some distance to look back on it. I thought it was so important that I contacted them and they liked what I had to say and they asked me to write this up. So here I am.
I’m just a normal guy just about to turn 30. (Yikes, right?). I live in Gettysburg. I have a good job. I have a house. I have a family. Two kids. And a dog. Just normal.
If you’ve been charged with a first-time DUI in Adams County, including in Gettysburg, Biglerville, York Springs, East Berlin, or really anywhere in the county, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. DUI charges are a common occurrence, and it’s important to take action to deal with the situation. Here’s some things I wish I knew at that time to help you through this difficult time.

Part 1: You’re Not Alone

First and foremost, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were over 10,000 DUI arrests in the state in 2019 alone. That’s over 10,000 people PER YEAR who have gone through or are going through the same experience as you. And those are just the people who were caught. The actual number of people driving under the influence is much higher. Statistics tell us that on a street of just 5 houses, in at least two of those houses someone has been charged with a DUI. This doesn’t make it right, but it happens. A bad choice doesn’t mean you are a lifetime bad person. Look over your entire life. You’re a good person!

Part 2: Empowering Yourself to Take Action

The next step is to empower yourself to take action. It’s important to face the situation head-on and not ignore it or try to sweep it under the rug. This is the time to face your problems, not Facebook your problems. Set a timer on your phone. No more than 30 minutes for a pity party. Trust me it works. Then, take concrete steps to address the situation. This will include seeking the help of a DUI defense attorney, and start telling those who need to know straight up what happened and own it. I was shocked that when I confided in folks, they didn’t shun me. A lot of folks told me that it happened to them or a loved one too. Again, we’re not alone. In terms of my lawyer. I spent HOURS pouring over websites and trying to be a subject matter expert in DUI. It wasn’t wasted time, but it was a lot of worry. In my opinion and personal experience, The McShane Firm is perfect.

Part 3: Understanding ARD

If you’re a first-time DUI offender in Adams County, you may be eligible for the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. This program allows first-time offenders to have their charges dismissed upon successful completion of the program, which includes alcohol counseling and community service.
However, it’s important to note that not everyone is eligible for ARD, and it’s important to work with an experienced DUI defense attorney. I called some attorneys and like only 3 called me back at all. Annoying. All three told me because of the circumstances of my case, I wouldn’t get into ARD. I called the McShane folks and I talked to an attorney right away. I met a kick ass paralegal. Go Cathi Leigh!!! This attorney got me into ARD. Wow. Imagine if I hadn’t found them?

Big Boy/Girl Underwear Time

Look, I’m not going to B.S. you, the entire situation sucked. I got through it. I not only survived. I thrived. There’s lots of folks just like us. You are not alone. You are a good person. The best thing you can do is embrace the suck and face the problem. Go with these guys (and gals) at The McShane Firm. And don’t let this bad choice become an insurmountable mountain or a reason to dive into the bottle or swallow more pills, make it a speed bump on your future path of success. It’s going to be ok.