If you have been charged with a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), you may be required to undergo a court-ordered alcohol abuse evaluation or more broadly, a substance abuse evaluation. This evaluation is often recommended by the court as a way to help determine the severity of your substance abuse problem and to provide guidance on the appropriate course of treatment. Also a defense attorney may be able to use the results of the evaluation to help your case and negotiate with the prosecution regarding lowering or dropping charges. In Savannah, Georgia, the attorneys of the law firm Phillips Carson Phillips are very capable of DUI defense.
What Happens During a Court-Ordered Alcohol Abuse Evaluation
A court-ordered alcohol abuse evaluation typically involves a comprehensive assessment of your alcohol use and related behaviors. During the evaluation, you will likely be asked a series of questions about your substance use history, family history of addiction, and any symptoms of alcohol-related disorders such as withdrawal or blackout episodes.
The evaluator may also administer various tests to gauge the severity of your alcohol use disorder, including tests that measure your alcohol dependence and alcohol-related problems. In addition to these assessments, the evaluator will also consider your overall mental health and well-being, as substance abuse can often co-occur with other mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
After completing the evaluation, the evaluator will provide a report to the court, which will outline their findings and make recommendations for treatment. Depending on the severity of your alcohol use disorder, the recommendations may range from brief intervention to a more intensive treatment program, such as detox or rehab.
What Happens If I Don’t Complete a Court-Ordered Substance Abuse Evaluation?
Failing to complete a court-ordered substance abuse evaluation can result in serious legal consequences. Not only will you potentially face further charges or fines, but you may also be required to attend a treatment program to address your substance abuse issues. In some cases, failing to complete the evaluation can even result in a revocation of your driver’s license and driving privileges.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Typically, the evaluation is performed by a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, with expertise in substance abuse assessment and treatment. You may also be required to undergo a medical evaluation to determine any physical health issues related to alcohol use. During the assessment, you will likely be asked to provide a detailed history of their alcohol use, including quantity and frequency, as well as any related legal, work, or relationship problems. If court ordered, there are a number of acceptable evaluating agencies that the court will recognize and allow you to use.
Possible Outcomes of the Evaluation
Court-ordered alcohol abuse evaluations can have several different outcomes depending on the results of the evaluation. One possible outcome is that the individual may be ordered to attend alcohol abuse treatment or counseling. This may involve attending therapy sessions or participating in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Another possible outcome is that the individual may be ordered to abstain from alcohol use completely. This may include regular monitoring or drug testing to ensure compliance. In severe cases, the individual may be required to attend residential treatment. However, if the evaluation reveals that the individual does not have an alcohol abuse problem, no further action may be taken.
Contact a Savannah Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a DUI, it is important to seek the assistance of a top DUI lawyer. We at Phillips Carson Phillips can help you navigate the legal system and obtain the most favorable outcome for your case.
Drunk driving charges are serious. Whether through negotiation, diversion programs, or arguing in court, our goal is to help you avoid a DUI conviction.
Contact us by calling (912) 232-0081 or using our online contact form to schedule a consultation today.