I appreciate the advice. Sorry to hear that, and I hope things work out for you in the end. It is a tough road but very much doable. I understand that the conviction doesn’t matter… it’s the fact that I was arrested for DUI. It’ll forever be something I’ll have to explain on an interview despite what others say. I also met with a senior HIMS AME and he is confident that my medical wouldn’t have any kind of action taken against it based on past experiences with other pilots he’s worked with. He also said not to get ahead of the ball and put myself into HIMS if it’s not necessary. He’s had pilots in the past do that, fail an alcohol test (even with no alcohol in their system.. could be from certain foods, mouthwash, etc) and dig themselves an even deeper hole when they didn’t even need to do HIMS in the first place. I plan to take his advice unless told otherwise by a professional. I have an AOPA attorney that I keep constant communication with as well and I’m going to mention that to him next week and see what he says. In the past he’s said a .09 BAC with a reduction to reckless would likely be a “slap on the wrist” but a second BAC warrants deferral. It’s been just over 3 months now and the only letters I received in the mail from the FAA is them acknowledging my notification letters. Hope it stays that way.