DUI Help Center: Attorneys, Interlock, Insurance and Treatment in One Place

A DUI charge is scary, but it is also a turning point. The choices you make in the next few weeks can protect your license, your job and your family’s future. Our DUI Help Center gives you everything in one place: the right attorney, the facts on ignition interlock and SR-22 insurance, and real help if alcohol or drugs played a part.

Everything you need after a DUI

Your first steps after a DUI arrest

1. Check your deadlines. Many states give you only days to request a hearing to save your license.
2. Talk to a DUI attorney before you go to court or speak with prosecutors. Here’s what to do after a DUI arrest.
3. Get an evaluation early if your state or court may require one. Taking this step on your own can also show the court you’re serious.
4. Plan for insurance and an interlock so they don’t catch you off guard.
5. Lean on support. Family, support groups and treatment programs can help you come out of this stronger.

A better life starts with the next step

Many people look back on their DUI as the moment their lives changed for the better. They got help, rebuilt trust and created a safer, healthier future for themselves and their families. If alcohol or drugs are part of the picture, you don’t have to face it alone. The SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is free, confidential and available 24/7, and FindTreatment.gov lists treatment options near you.

Need help getting your driver’s license back later? Our sister site, Driver’s License Restorers, focuses on license reinstatement.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do first after a DUI arrest?

Write down everything you remember, note any deadlines on your paperwork, and talk to a DUI attorney quickly. In many states you have only a short window, sometimes 7 to 30 days, to request a hearing to protect your driver's license.

Can a DUI charge be reduced or dismissed?

Sometimes. An attorney may challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, breath or blood test results, or police procedures. The outcome depends on the facts of your case and your state's laws.

Will I need SR-22 insurance or an ignition interlock?

Many people convicted of DUI need both, depending on the state. Our SR-22 and ignition interlock guides explain how each one works and how to keep the costs down.

Where can I get help for a drinking or drug problem?

Call the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, available 24/7, or search FindTreatment.gov. You can also browse treatment centers in our directory.