3 Ways a DUI May Affect Your Way of Life
DUI Charges Can Result in More than a Criminal Record
When a police officer pulls you over on your way home from a night out, you may feel surprised when the officer tells you the results of your chemical breath test are above the legal limit. All of a sudden, you find yourself facing criminal charges.
You worry that you might end up in jail or face other serious consequences. Many people are so worried about the outcome of DUI charges that they plead guilty in the hopes of reducing what penalties they have to endure. A guilty plea is no guarantee of leniency during sentencing.
A DUI conviction can drastically change your way of life. Here are a few examples of what could happen:
1: You will most likely lose your driver's license
A DUI conviction comes with licensing consequences. The circumstances at the time of your arrest and your record will influence how long you will not be able to drive. Losing your license can be a problem for your job, especially if transportation is part of what you do for work. Even if your job is in an office building, you may have trouble getting to and from work on time, which could lead to a write-up or possibly termination.
Even if you don’t lose you license (or when you have had your license reinstated), you may be required to have a specific type of license that requires an ignition interlock device (a “blow and go”) to be installed in your car.
2. Your professional license could be at risk
Individuals who work in careers like education or healthcare have to secure a state license to do their jobs. State licensing boards maintain strict standards for applicants and members, often including a prohibition on law violations while licensed. You could lose your professional license or be subject to disciplinary action by professional organizations after a criminal conviction.
3: You may face incarceration
The reality of a DUI conviction is that you will face incarceration. Even if your incarceration is in the form of house arrest, your daily life will be impacted.
When you’re on work release or house arrest, you may need to coordinate transportation to and from work. Additionally, you may need to coordinate scheduling with your employer, since getting to work isn’t as easy as getting in your car and making your regular commute.
Missing work because of a jail sentence could also potentially lead to job loss, although not every first-time DUI offense will result in incarceration.
What steps should someone take after a DUI arrest?
As you can see, a DUI conviction can have a significant impact on your life. Taking an aggressive approach after a DUI arrest could help mitigate many of the negative consequences associated with a conviction. It is advisable to work with a DUI defense attorney who will take the time needed to understand your unique story, criminal history, and legal options.
The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice nor does it create an attorney-client relationship.