Self improvement can make a difference in your Virginia criminal or DUI case

Self-improvement (SI) / rehabilitation — what I sometimes also call homework — can sometimes help criminal defendants with case negotiations with the prosecutor, and with any case sentencing in the event of a conviction. As a Fairfax criminal lawyer, I know it is ideal for criminal defendants to talk with their lawyer about the best self-improvement options to pursue. Following are important links for such self-improvement (and here are purely online options) in fighting against prosecutions for alleged Virginia DUI, drug, and theft.

Some key self improvement links

Here are some key self improvement links:

• Alcohol & Drug Programs: Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program. government-licensed programs in the state to the north. Aquila Recovery in the nation’s capital, and nationwide program locator. Here is a short online alcohol class for alcohol prosecutions less serious than Virginia DUI charges, and for criminal cases arising from alcohol misuse.
• Sample employer letter asking to drive without the ignition interlock device
• Driver Improvement Classes: Virginia-DMV-approved (some of these classes also have an additional four-hour aggressive driving component for reckless driving cases) and Lifestyles Learning in Fairfax, Virginia- 703-297-2688, artvonherb@live.com (intensive course). Idrivesavely.com is the online class I usually recommend for being reliable and inexpensive. For cases not in Virginia, shorter classes might be acceptable.
• Speedometer calibration centers  are important for people defending against Virginia DUI prosecutions that allege very high speed, and also for defending against reckless driving charges.
• Victim Impact Panels– Sponsored or organized by MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving): Online and onsite.
• Here are some self improvement links for additional criminal defense cases:
• Shoplifting- Offender Solutions and NASP
• Anger Management Program Online– OffenderSolutions.Com
• Pistol Shooting Class (online) from National Rifle Association / NRA (to show a weapons defendant will handle firearms safely)
• Onsite Community Service and a sample community service letter
• Online Community Service

Alcoholics Anonymous / Narcotics Anonymous-type meetings

Attending self help meetings similar to AA self help meetings can be helpful for Virginia DUI and drug defense.

• Here is an AA meeting verification sign-in sheet/court card.
• StepChat.com provides online AA and NA-type meetings. Like AA, donations are voluntary. You receive emailed confirmation of meeting attendance.
• SmartRecovery.org provides AA and NA-type meetings live and by phone. You receive emailed confirmation of meeting attendance. The phone meetings might quickly book up.
• AA nationwide locator. AA is hospitable for those dealing with alcohol issues
• NA nationwide locator.

Discuss SI with your lawyer

Self improvement needs to be tailored to your unique Virginia criminal or DUI case defense. Talk with your lawyer about your best approach for SI.

Fairfax criminal lawyer Jonathan L. Katz pursues your best defense against Virginia DUI, felony and misdemeanor prosecutions. Call 703-383-1100 for a free in-person consultation with Jon Katz about your court-pending case.