I received a DUI as a 21 year old. My roommate was graduating a semester early and I met his family downtown at the local college tavern.

A few hours later I decided to head home before too long since I had my internship to report to in the AM. Getting into my car I remember vividly thinking, "am I okay to drive? I only had 3 beers? Maybe I'm just tired from my workout earlier?"

Being naive I never consider what type of beer I was drinking or size. I was simply using the 1 beer an hour rule. However, those 3 beers were 16oz and high % IPA's. I wasn't really paying much attention due to the atmosphere.

I was pulled over shortly after getting in my car; for running a red light. I blew a .13.

Prior to this I had never been in any sort of trouble with the law, was 6 months away from graduating college/university, and had committed to a very nice job offer.

This ordeal dragged out for the next year and a half. It dragged on me financially and emotionally more than I think a lot of people realize. DUI's fucking suck and the punishments are not soft.

I nearly lost my job. Any employee with a DUI needs VP approval to remain employed. I thought due to the nature of my soon to be role and lack of time to prove myself, I was done for. I was hired as an account manager which required travel via car/plane. Occasional international travel. Thankfully, my manager was trusting in my character and wanted me to work here. They rearranged my position for the few months I was not allowed to drive.

I lost my license for a total of 9 months. Since this crime was committed out of state I had to face punishment in both states. I had to pay extra to obtain an occupational license to drive to and from work.

I used nearly 2 weeks of vacation from work my first year to attend MADD class, court, see a psychologist, and take a 4 week alcohol course. Since this incident happened out of state I had to travel 3 hours to attend court. Multiple occasions court was rescheduled after I had already requested off.

I hear often people say that punishments are not harsh enough for DUI offenders, but this was a MASSIVE economic and emotional burden as a 21 year old. It would have potentially crippled me if I had lost my job. I do not come from wealth, I was paying my own way through school and had significant loans. Spent over $10k in fees, lawyers, classes and high risk insurance.

Luckily, my job was close enough to my hometown where I was able move back in with my parents. Otherwise, I don't know how I would've been able to afford student loans, and DUI charges that were racking up week after week of I had been on my own.

I do not dare even having 1 drink and getting in a vehicle. It's not worth it. No one is invincible. Years later I look back on this and like to think it was a blessing in disguise. I learned a lot and who knows what could of happened that night if I never was pulled off the road. I also believe it has helped a lot of my friends/family realize how much is at stake when deciding to drink and drive.