Treatment & Education

Education and treatment immediately following a DUI arrest are strongly recommended.

 

Independent Assessment and the Benefits

In Michigan it is mandatory to be assessed by the court following a DUI conviction.  A major benefit of being assessed by an independent evaluator directly following a DUI is that it allows you to responsibly address your behavior.  Whether you are represented by counsel or not, you can use the information from your independent evaluation to improve your plea or lessen the sentencing recommendations.  A judge who knows you are taking this situation seriously is more inclined to give you a lighter sentence and is less likely to send you to jail.

 

 

Treatment and Education

The decision to attend AA meetings, educational classes and/or a substance treatment program following a DUI is generally based on the results of a professional Substance Abuse Assessment.  NextStepDUI and the professionals we work with generally encourage an independent assessment.  The evaluator must be experienced in administering the same type of objective tests that are commonly used in the Michigan courts or at the Driver Assessment and Appeal Division (DAAD).  We realize the value of being proactive following a DUI.  By following a well-structured therapeutic plan that is developed from your assessment results, you will gain the needed insight to address your situation.

 

 

Locating Experienced Evaluators and Accredited Facilities

NextStepDUI can assist you in locating an accredited facility and qualified professionals throughout the state of Michigan.  We work closely with the Michigan courts and know the programs that have been well-received by their probation departments.  If NextStepDUI refers you to a program prior to your sentencing, you should not be required to change facilities and in most cases you will be given credit for any work or classes you have completed.  Locating a well-recognized substance abuse facility and qualified mental health professionals is a valuable first step in addressing your DUI.