Unfortunately I was a bit of a professional at the whole DWI thing - I've got 3 convictions. The last one was the worst and I am SO lucky that I didn't kill myself or anyone else because going through this ordeal was the only way I was going to stop drinking. If you only take one thing from what's happened, make sure you NEVER do it again. So here goes: don't worry about jail unless your BAC was off the charts (over .16?) No judge wants to put an affluent, employed kid in jail for something like this. Forget any DWI commercials you might have seen- Courts realize your best chance to not reoffend is to remain gainfully employed or in school. They aren't looking to sabotage your future over this. I finally did jail time after my 3rd but was allowed to serve on weekends so I could continue working. You will definitely need a lawyer. I've consulted with lawyers who touted themselves as "DWI specailists" but unless there are some extenuating circumstances with your case you will be paying more for the same outcome. Courts see more DWI cases than you think and the archetypical plea deal is there already. Get someone local and the sooner the better. He/she can give you a much better idea with what to expect and you will feel much better after talking with them believe me. Make sure you have all your info handy before you call (tickets/arrest reports). What was your BAC? That will be a factor if it was real high. Going to AA meetings can only help and I wouldn't worry about any paperwork just let your lawyer know you are going to meetings and he/she can work with that. Do you think you have a drinking problem that might require outpatient therapy? i would begin immediately. It will show the judge you are taking it seriously and he/she will appreciate your being proactive. After my last one i got into therapy within the week which consisted of outpatient group therapy a couple times a week. The court reviewed what I put in place and went with it. I doubt any type of treatment will be on the table for you however. I could give you details about the outcome of my first arrest but the penalties vary from state to state and even from county to county. So get that lawyer pronto! You will feel better knowing what to expect. Good luck and learn from this.