Ramifications of drunk driving are intense, expensive and harmful, if it’s just you. Parents driving children after any alcohol or under the influence of any substance should be asking themselves; What are you DUI-ing?
Besides possibly killing your own children or others, have you considered the consequences of getting pulled over with your children in the car?
On top of being charged with driving under the influence, you will be charged with child abuse. I practice family law and in circumstances like this, 2 attorneys is necessary: one to handle the family law portion and one for the criminal defense. *(make sure you find attorneys who can work together on this entire situation, contact me for referrals).
While your innocent until proven guilty in the criminal world, in the land of family law, with the Court and additional professionals you are not. They are cautious and careful about the best interest of the child and driving under the influence with children in the car is a bad decision, creating a negative impact with family court.
Drinking, smoking marijuana or using prescription drugs, while the kids are with you or in the car, sends the message to family court your choice is a substance not your children. A parents job is protection no destruction and they had no choice when getting into the car with you.
Suddenly your 50/50 parenting time may be eliminated or limited to 3 hour visits, once a week and professionally supervised while you undergo a drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment.
Few will disagree that anyone driving drunk – or even under the influence – with kids in the car should have their head examined but it’s happening. Before you chose alcohol over your children, please think again
What about the legalization of marijuana in Colorado? Parenting under the influence still isn’t acceptable. Period. Smoke or drink whatever on your time – not your kids’ time with you. In a shared parenting plan, your time is already limited. Understand your kids have rights and they deserve all of you.
On a final note, if you’re given the opportunity to earn your parenting time back because no one was injured or hurt, before you open the car door consider all the financial costs***:
Ask your self; What are you DUI-ing?
Forthwith Motion to Eliminate Parenting Time & Response $500.00- $1000.00
(If you’re in the wrong you’re likely going to have to pay the other parties’ attorneys’ fees too!)
Forthwith Court Hearing and Future court dates $200.00 – $5000.00
Drug & Alcohol Evaluation $1500.00- $3000.00
Supervised parenting $45.00-$75.00/hr.
Criminal DUI case $2500.00+
Increase in insurance: depending on circumstances
The guilt you have to live with….
If you have any questions about your individual circumstances or need a criminal referral, please call my Vail or Denver office or email me to set an appointment.
