What are the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction?
Driving under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance is a criminal offense, yet many people do it out of habit. Several drivers go undetected, but others are pulled over and interrogated. If a person is suspected of drunk driving and their BAC levels exceed the threshold level, charges are imposed. It is crucial to get a lawyer as soon as possible, in order to beat the DUI charges. Your chances of avoiding conviction and redeeming your reputation are increasingly low if you decide to represent yourself in criminal court.
DUI conviction may lead to multiple legal penalties, such as jail time, probation, hefty fines, community service, and mandatory DUI schooling. Typically, people don’t look past the legal repercussions, i.e. they don’t immediately realize that being declared a criminal is a social stigma. The offense goes to their permanent record, and deeply affects their personal and professional life. If you or a loved one has been charged for driving while intoxicated, hire California DUI Defense Attorney to fend off a dire fate or compromised future.
Now let us discuss some long-term consequences of a DUI conviction:
Loss of Driving Privileges
When the cops arrest you for DUI, your driver’s license will be confiscated, so you will need to request a DMV hearing to get it back. The DMV officer decides if your driving privileges should be reinstated. However, if you don’t apply for a DMV hearing in time or fail to convince the officer that you are a responsible driver, your license may get revoked indefinitely. If you are subject to a probationary period, you will have to abide by certain driving restrictions. Repeat DUI may result in permanent suspension of driving privileges.
Employment Issues
When people apply for a job, the recruiters conduct thorough background checks to ensure that the person of interest is reliable and of sound character. When a DUI conviction shows up, an employer may hesitate to hire a candidate regardless of their qualifications. If you have already been working for a company for quite some time, the conviction may come in the way of a promotion or similar employment incentives.
High Insurance Costs
Every state requires drivers to purchase auto insurance. Auto insurance rates depend upon several factors, such as the age/experience of a driver, type of car, and overall driving record. DUI convicts are charged more than standard because they are perceived as irresponsible drivers. People who drive while intoxicated are increasingly prone to get into an accident, which means that their insurer shall have to pay for the damages. Many repeat DUI offenders lose their insurance or have to pay extremely high rates.
Housing Problems
Landlords, like employers, are wary of applicants with a criminal record. If a property owner finds out that you were recently convicted of DUI, they might assume that you have a drinking problem and that you cannot be trusted to pay rent on time. Landlords are not keen on accommodating individuals who may have violent tendencies, as they pose a threat to their property and other residents living in the same building.
Damaged Relationships
Being convicted of DUI or any other criminal offense may negatively affect personal, professional, and social relationships. The community you live in might treat you differently after you obtain a criminal record; they may break off ties with you and your family, which means your loved ones suffer too. The attitude of friends and coworkers might also change after they learn of your criminal proceedings, so you would face social isolation. People, including your family members, may not be ready to drive with you or include you in gatherings that involve the consumption of alcohol.
Loss of Educational opportunities
Youngsters and drivers who have not reached the legal age of drinking are at risk of losing educational opportunities due to a criminal record. If you previously qualified for an academic scholarship, the DUI conviction may render it invalid. Many prestigious educational institutions reject applicants with a criminal record, and you could be expelled from the school where you currently pursue your studies.
