4 Types Of Legal Issues Faced In Early Sobriety

Sobriety is a process of recovery from addiction to drugs or alcohol that encourages a change in lifestyle patterns. It involves abstaining from mind/body-altering substances and working on behavioral and lifestyle changes to maintain both physical and emotional sobriety. During this often fear-invoking process, there are some that may be faced with past legal issues that need to be cleared up to successfully transition to a sober lifestyle. Here, we want to discuss what are some legal issues commonly faced by individuals in early sobriety and how to handle them.

Legal Issues From Driving Under the Influence Charges (DUI)

If you speak to a group of sober individuals, it is not uncommon for at least someone in the group to have been charged with a DUI at some point in their drinking/drugging career. As noted by the DUI attorneys at Dolan + Zimmerman, although DUI penalties vary by state, driving under the influence is a serious offense that can have severe legal consequences. If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to seek legal help immediately. A DUI conviction can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time, and working through these challenges can be a great start to a healthy recovery. DUI law defense can get you through it.

Because many people in sobriety suffered from a damaging relationship with narcotics (both legal and illegal), drug possession charges are not considered to be uncommon. If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to seek assistance with your case immediately. Thankfully, your lawyer may be able to help you negotiate a plea bargain or other alternative sentence if you have demonstrated a sincere effort to try and get sober and are making an effort to live a better life.

Employment Issues

Employment issues can also arise for those in early recovery. If you still hold a job it is important to be honest with your employers about your struggles with addiction and to understand your rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In many situations, your job can be protected while you undergo treatment or take the necessary steps to get better. Others in recovery may struggle with finding a job. Whether it’s because they were let go from their job while in active addiction, didn’t have a job, or there’s a gap in their resume, not everyone has an easy time finding work. However, there is definitely hope, and the law is on your side.

Domestic Violence Charges

Unfortunately, substance abuse and domestic violence are not strangers to one another. In fact, there is a major correlation between the two, as being under the influence of substances can negatively affect a person’s anger or impulsivity levels. So, it’s not unusual for some individuals to have domestic violence charges hanging over their heads when trying to sort out their life and addiction issues.

Although not all, some people in early recovery have legal issues they must face to move on with their lives. Some may even need to seek legal help for their past actions. Thankfully, working with a qualified attorney other sympathetic people that understand addiction and recovery can help individuals navigate these legal challenges and avoid any long-term consequences that may negatively impact their recovery journey. Additionally, seeking support from a sober community, therapy, and addiction treatment can help individuals develop the skills and coping mechanisms necessary to avoid legal issues in the future.