They've seen so many defendants in different stages of drunk and sober and all steps in-between. It will make for a very hard night--and many little to no sleep.

I believe the more sober you are in court, even if you're shaky and verging on getting sick, the judge will see that you are willing to struggle and suffer to obtain sobriety. That ought to help you get help, rather than punishment.

If you go to court having imbibed the the past 24-36 hrs, these professionals won't be fooled. They will see clearly that you're still running to alcohol, self-medicating and choosing a passive, slow suicide to the effort of getting clean.

Getting sober is worth the effort ... unless, of course, passive suicide in what you're striving for.

Please go to court as sober as possible and admit that you're an alcoholic and do not want to go on like this. Ask for a longterm, residential rehab. Or if sobriety is something you don't want--if you're hoping for an early death, just get through your sentence as a model prisoner. Unless you're collecting DUIs or have otherwise killed someone when you were drunk, the sentence oughtn't to be too bad.

I've been where you are and I seizures when I quit drinking. I had to be put in a medical coma; it could have gone either was. I spent six weeks in a four week residential hospital rehab, because they knew I'd be back if I left the the scheduled time.

That was in 1980. I stayed sober over ten years, then went on a binge and had to start over. I've been sober 20 yrs now, and with the bipolar diagnosis & treatment alcohol isn't calling to me and whispering its obnoxious promises to me. I still got to AA meetings, I still consider myself an alcoholic, and I don't hang out with my old theatre crowd or anyone who tried to get me to have that "just one drink, to celebrate."

Best of luck and perseverance to you. You can get through this victoriously if you get the help you need. I'm thinking of you with a large sense of empathy. I've been where you are, & it's a living nightmare.

I hope you keep posting. There are many generous folks here who will support you if you will make the effort to connect.

Best luck & take best care of yourself.

roads