Being charged with a DUI is a stressful experience. Depending on what state you live in, you may be facing a license suspension, mandatory alcohol treatment, or an ignition interlock device if you're found guilty. And if this isn't your first DUI offense, you may even be facing vehicle confiscation for a period of time. Because of this, it's a good idea to hire an attorney to represent you who has direct experience with DUI cases and knows the ins-and-outs of the DUI legal process. Here are three things you can do to help support your lawyer and better defend your DUI case:

Take Safe Driving Classes

An effective way to show the court that you are serious about being safe on the road in the future is to take a series of safe driving classes. While the classes won't ensure that you will stay sober while driving, they will help improve your driving skills so you make better decisions when behind the wheel and provide your lawyer as well as the court with assurance that you're committed to making positive changes within your life.

Volunteer in the Community

By volunteering within your community to help make sure that others don't make the same driving mistakes that you have, you can show the court that you are not only serious about staying sober behind the wheel but that you're serious about helping to make sure that others do the same. You can volunteer at high schools and talk to students about the dangers of drinking and driving, you can volunteer at local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and provide a helping hand to others who are going through the same thing that you are, or you can volunteer at a rehab center to discuss the repercussions of driving while drunk with patients. Ask your lawyer for a time sheet that you can use to have volunteer facilitators sign off on any hours you spend working with the community.

Write a Personalized Letter

It's also a good idea to take some time to write a personalized letter to the court that explains your circumstances, acknowledges your mistakes, and lays out a plan for how you'll ensure that you don't end up back in court with another DUI in the future. The letter should be in your own words and convey your personal thoughts and feelings about your situation to offer some insight into your thought processes and how you've come to your conclusions about what will keep you out of court as time goes on. Make two copies so you can give one to the lawyer and keep one for yourself. Have your attorney submit the original letter to the court.

These tips and tricks are sure to support your lawyer's efforts and should help show the court that you are serious about staying sober when you're behind the wheel. Don't delay contacting an attorney like H Edward Andrews III as soon as possible.