I am a 21 year old student, convicted of a DUI in September 2012. This is my first offense; other than the DUI I have a clean record. I am currently attending driving classes and checking in regularly with my probation officer.

I recently violated my probation by consuming alcohol, which showed up in an ETG urinalysis. I am now required to re-appear in court.

I suffer from depression, and I haven't been taking my medicine regularly or seeing my therapist for some time now. I was at a really low point and all alone when I drank. It was a foolish decision, and I regret it.

Should I hire a lawyer? How likely do you think it is that I will have to serve jail time/house arrest?

Sorry, your most likely going to jail... might put you in rehab for alcohol.

Of course you should hire a lawyer. How do you think you would get out of this otherwise?

I'm no legal authority but I can speak on this part because I know... they will not care that you had a low point in your life... there are no excuses that will make this OK... and that is how they will view anything you say... it will be an excuse.

Hire a lawyer.

Yeah- I agree with odinn7. I just also wanted to add that with an attorney you can possibly see if you qualify for some type of therapy as part of your probation, so you can get the help you need while also fulfilling your sentence. I work with DUI attorneys and people arrested for a DUI and most of them get arrested during the WORST time in their lives. I've noticed that jail usually doesn't help these people. However, many states are initiating rehab/therapy programs to not only keep jails from overcrowding but also to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road by finding the root of their problems.

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