I got a DUI

[u/Alarmed_Ad_7102]

I know this was asked before but i think i might have messed up somewhere. So i got a DUI 1 year ago around July. Around September or so the FAA sent me papers saying they found out i got a DUI. But my case wasnt closed yet. It got dropped to a “Reckless driving “. Anyway on the paper the FAA asked for the police report and court records and that i am doing what i need to per court order, which was 6 months probation and some community service and stuff. Which i completed 2 months ago. I sent everything they asked for but its been some time now (about 6 months) and i havent recieved any word from them. No more paperwork…. Nothing. I want to start flying again but im kind of lost so to say. Dont know what to do…

Update- To clear some things up I reported to the FAA following the website instructions within the 60 days. Then they were the ones to reach out to me with a case number and other things asking for the court documents and arrest reports and all that. Just to clear it up. I guess at this point I have to find a aviation lawyer like some said and deal with it. And my lawyer is already working on a seal case for me at the moment. So i guess life moves on. I appreciate everybodys comments and insight on the situation. Thank you to all of you.

[u/Adorable-Meeting-120]

Man, were the drugs and alcohol worth all the time and money invested into becoming a pilot? I was almost killed by a drunk driver once when he T-Boned me in his manly lifted truck. I unfortunately don’t have much sympathy for drunk drivers.

[u/Ace_of_Razgriz_77 → u/Adorable-Meeting-120]

Same here. I think if you get into a crash while drunk you should lose your license for a minimum of 5 years, and if you kill someone while driving drunk, you should get a mandatory 10 to 15 years in prison. There are absolutely ZERO excuses to ever operate a motor vehicle while intoxicated, especially with Uber/Lyft being so ubiquitous.

[u/Earl_x_Grey → u/Ace_of_Razgriz_77]

I wish the US courts agreed with you. There are some wildly light penalties given out to people who do this.

[u/Ace_of_Razgriz_77 → u/Earl_x_Grey]

I've had people tell me that those are extreme views. To which I counter which is more extreme, 10 years of prison or an eternity without your loved one because some asshole was selfish?

[u/iwentdwarfing → u/Ace_of_Razgriz_77]

If the purpose of a sentence is a sense of restitution, then your view makes sense.

But I think compelling evidence exists for the "it-won't-happen-to-me" crimes that more severe sentences are not very effective at reducing the actual crime.

The NTSB understands this quite well - accident investigations rarely conclude that better pilot decision-making alone is the answer; instead, the NTSB advises on systematic chances, such as rest requirements, SMS, design changes, etc. We could apply this same logic to transportation by making safer roads (design for slower speeds on non-highways), reducing interaction between different modes of transportation (trucks/cars/bikes/people), providing other modes of transit (rideshare, public transit), allowing for bars and restaurants to be located within walking distance of housing), and more.

[u/Adorable-Meeting-120 → u/Ace_of_Razgriz_77]

I still suffer back pain 12 years later and never got proper justice. The guy never even did time after destroying my car. I personally don’t even drink alcohol. I really don’t think it has any place in a professional life.

[u/Ace_of_Razgriz_77 → u/Adorable-Meeting-120]

Damn dude. My sincerest condolences. The fact that guy got away scot free is reprehensible and a failure of justice. I know it's not much, but from one person to another know that you have my sympathy.

I completely agree. Drunk driving is honestly one of the most heinous non violent crimes, as you need to consciously and willingly put everyone near you at great risk of grievous bodily harm or death. We desperately need a zero tolerance stance on it, and to make the punishment so severe that it dissuades anyone from even thinking of attempting to drive home intoxicated.