A DUI conviction results in devastating fines and lengthy jail sentences. However, the effects do not end with the criminal penalties. Rather, individuals will be impacted by a DUI in multiple areas of their personal life.
Driver’s License Revocation
Even for a first offense, an individual could lose their driver’s license for up to two years. This suspension will require an individual to seek alternative modes of transportation for the next several month, introducing a new stressor to their lives.
Auto Insurance
It’s common for insurance providers to raise a driver’s premiums after a DUI conviction. Some companies may even drop the driver altogether. If the driver is refused continued coverage, they will likely have difficulty finding a new provider with their record.
Professional Relationships
A DUI conviction could be enough for an employer to let a worker go. Even in cases where the driver remains employed by their company, their professional relationships can take a hit. Coworkers may hear about it on the news, and their opinions of that individual could change in response.
Look Back Period
A DUI conviction has an affect on future criminal charges for ten years. There is no way to conceal this arrest from the DMV or law enforcement.
Criminal Record
While the look back period will automatically expire after a decade, the conviction will remain on one’s criminal record permanently unless they take active steps to have it expunged. However, not every DUI conviction is eligible for dismissal. To be eligible, an individual must:
- Complete probation
- Not have served time in state prison
Having this criminal record complicates one’s ability to fully move on after a DUI offense. The arrest could show up whenever any person or organization conducts a background check on the driver, which jeopardizes their ability to:
- Find a job
- Find housing
- Pursue higher education
There’s too much at stake to go unrepresented in your DUI case. Get the powerful defense that you need. Contact Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC today.