Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

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In many instances, it is admirable to give people a second chance. At times, however, character references for driving under the influence of alcohol are needed before a second chance is given.

Applicants to the Coast Guard Who Have Received a DUI

If applicants to the Coast Guard have received alcohol related convictions such as a DWI or DUI, the person evaluating the application has to consider the following:

• The number and severity of the convictions
• The recency of the convictions
• Evidence of rehabilitation or reform

The following represent acceptable evidence of rehabilitation or reform:

• Successful completion of an alcohol abuse education or treatment program
• Long-term active therapy in organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous
• Positive character references from responsible individuals who can verify the length of time the applicant has been sober and reliable and who can describe the applicant's change in behavior since the driving offenses occurred.

A similar concept exists in certain parts of the world regarding driving under the influence. The idea here is that a person who is appearing before a judge or jury can help his or her case by providing character references from people he or she knows well and who can state how the defendant's offense is "out of character."

Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol in Canada

In fact, there's actually a documented guide on how a person should write a character reference letter for use in criminal cases, such as DUIs, in Canada.

If, for instance, a person is pleading guilty or has been found guilty of a criminal offence in Canada, his or her lawyer may request 5 or 6 character references from people who know the defendant's overall character and reputation in the community.

The objective in obtaining these character references is to convince the Judge, jury, or prosecutor that the defendant has a reputation of being a good citizen in the community, that the defendant feels great remorse for the offense, and the offense will never be repeated.

The use of character references for driving under the influence of alcohol even applies to individuals who apply for a Georgia Real Estate License!

Character References for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol: Conclusion

Giving people a second change after receiving a DUI seem reasonable --only if the person can verify, through others, that he or she realizes the error of his or her ways and has taken steps to correct the problem. 

In other words, character references for driving under the influence of alcohol are sometimes needed before a "second chance" is given.

Concerning something as serious as "driving under the influence," requiring character references before a second chance is given seems to make a lot of sense. 

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