Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious criminal offense in all states, and if convicted you could be facing hefty fines, jail time, or both. Even after your sentence has been served and paid for, there are still long-term consequences that can follow you for years to come. Here's what those long-term consequences might be so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s worth risking a DUI conviction, and some of the ways to minimize the damage of a DUI conviction if you do end up being charged with one. So read on to learn more about the potential consequences of driving while intoxicated and how to deal with them.
1. Legal Counsel Fees
Even if you are not convicted of a DUI, legal counseling fees can add up quickly. Depending on the severity of your case, and whether or not you decide to hire an experienced DUI attorney, these fees can be significant. You can also look into an Oakland DUI with Refusal and Loss of License lawyer for more information regarding your case. An attorney can help you navigate the legal process and mount a strong defense, so it’s important to weigh the costs of legal fees against potential penalties if convicted.
2. Criminal Record
A DUI conviction can stay on your permanent criminal record for years, making it difficult to find employment or rent an apartment. Your record may not be visible right away if there are no aggravating factors in your case. However, once it is visible, employers and landlords may reject you simply because of your past offense. It's also worth noting that some states allow for the expungement of a DUI from one's criminal record after a certain amount of time has passed since the incident occurred. Additionally, it is important to remember that even if the charges are eventually dropped or dismissed, a DUI arrest will still show up on your criminal record.
3. Driver's License Suspension
In most states, one of the immediate consequences of a DUI conviction is driver’s license suspension. Depending on your state, this can range from 90 days to several years depending on whether you have any previous DUI convictions and the severity of your current offense. In some cases, you may be able to reduce the length of your suspension by enrolling in alcohol education courses or attending mandatory counseling sessions. License reinstatement fees are also typically required after your suspension period has ended.
4. Higher Insurance Rates
Insurance companies base their rates on the perceived risk of covering you as a driver, and a DUI conviction is often seen as an indication that you pose a higher risk than other drivers. This means that if you're convicted of driving while intoxicated, you’ll likely face much higher auto insurance premiums for several years to come. You may be able to avoid this consequence by proactively reaching out to your auto insurance company before being charged with a DUI and keeping them updated on your case proceedings.
5. Ignition Interlock Device Requirements
In some states, judges require people convicted of DUIs to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in their vehicles. This device requires drivers to blow into a Breathalyzer before starting the car, and it's designed to prevent people from driving while intoxicated. Depending on your state and the severity of your offense, you may be required to keep an IID in your vehicle for several months or even years after your conviction. You will usually have to pay for installation and maintenance of the device out of pocket as well.
6. Jail Time
In some cases, a DUI conviction can result in jail time. Depending on the state and the severity of your offense, you may be sentenced to spend several days or even months in jail. It is also important to remember that if someone else was injured or killed as a result of your DUI, you may face much more severe punishments such as significant fines, extended probation periods, and even longer prison sentences.
As you can see, driving under the influence can have serious consequences that can impact your life for years to come. If you do find yourself facing a DUI charge, it’s essential to seek experienced legal counsel right away so that they can advise you on the best course of action and build an effective defense for your case. Ultimately, it is important to weigh the costs of legal fees against potential penalties if convicted in order to make an informed decision about how to handle your DUI charge.