I have been arrested for DUI twice. It is not funny and I am not proud of it.I am very gratefull that I never hurt or killed someone.The last time was in 1999. I finally woke up and realized what a mess I was making of my life and I have not drank in 7 years. I don't think a one time bust is cause for a permanent license revocation because some people can change.However,had they been more harsh with me on my first offense,maybe I would have learned the same lesson I did after the second.The first time I was 22,they gave me 6 months INACTIVE probation,and I lost my license for 30 days and had to do 1 weekend in jail.Then for 6 months the only place I could drive was to and from work.Plus about 300 dollar fine or something like that. Basically a slap on the wrist.
The second time I got a one year license suspension,90 days in work release,2 years active probation,180 hours community service,court ordered treatment programs ( I had however already completed a 12 week out patient program on my own,so the court ordered class was just a way to cost me more money).I also got a pretty big fine.All in all it cost me almost 10 grand,and my fiance at the time. I don't consider this punishment all that severe,considering it was my second offense...but had I recieved this the first time,MAYBE I would have learned my lesson sooner.