Character References for Driving
Under the Influence of Alcohol
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In many 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 DUI
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.
| Studies have shown that
inpatient detoxification programs are more
effective and longer-lasting than outpatient
detox programs. The important issue here,
however, is the following: the more severe the
alcohol-related withdrawal symptoms, the more
likely that inpatient detox programs should be
used. |
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."
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!
| Alcoholism statistics in the
United States remain staggering. There are
approximately 14 million people in the country
addicted to alcohol and millions more who
display symptoms of abuse, including binge
drinking. Sadly, a reported 2.6 million binge
drinkers in 2002 were between the ages of 12
and 17. |
Character References for Driving Under
the Influence of Alcohol: Conclusion
Giving people a second change after receiving a
DUI seem reasonable --only if the person can verify,
through others, that he or she realizes the error of his
or her ways and has taken steps to correct the
problem. In other words, character
references for driving under the influence of
alcohol are sometimes needed before a "second
chance" is given.
Concerning something as serious as "driving under the
influence," requiring character references before a second
chance is given seems to make a lot of sense.
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| The highest rates of current and
past year heavy alcohol use are reported by
workers in the following occupations:
construction, food preparation and
waiters/waitresses, along with auto mechanics,
vehicle repairers, light truck drivers and
laborers. |
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