Most people are well aware that a DUI conviction is going to cause them a lot of problems, including financial costs, community service, and possibly jail time. What many people fail to realize, however, is that being found guilty of a DUI can also have a significant on the rest of their lives. Long after the fines have been paid, those with a DUI on their record may struggle with the following issues:
Getting (or Keeping) a Job
Getting or keeping a job that requires any type of driving is going to be almost impossible. This includes obvious jobs like pizza delivery and truck drivers, but will also impact many others. Train conductors, high-low operators, police officers, and many others are expected to be able to drive safely, and having a DUI is often a deal breaker. Even jobs where driving is only a very small part of the responsibilities can be directly impacted by having a prior DUI.
Qualifying for a New Auto Loan
When looking to purchase a new vehicle, some lenders will look at the driving record of the applicant before approving. If they see a DUI on the record, they are much less likely to approve the loan due to the added risks involved. In cases where lenders approve the loan, the interest rate may be higher than it otherwise should be.
Auto Insurance Availability & Costs
Insurance companies are very cautious when insuring those with a DUI, and especially those with multiple DUIs on their record. Some companies refuse to insure people with a DUI on their record at all, and others require a very lengthy amount of time to pass before they will begin accepting them again. Those companies that do offer to insure people with a DUI are going to charge much higher rates for their policies, and may even limit them on the type of coverage they can get. This can end up costing many thousands of dollars over the years.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at a charity or a child’s school may not be possible with a DUI. This is especially true when volunteering to drive for field trips or other events. While volunteering is a very good thing to do, a DUI may make it much more difficult.
Relationships with Friends & Family
It is often impossible to predict how friends and family will react to your DUI. Many people have very strong opinions about drinking and driving due to personal experiences. There are many examples of people who have had their spouse leave them and friends abandon them after getting a DUI conviction. While every situation is unique, many people are surprised at just how devastating a DUI can be to their personal life.
Don’t Fight a DUI Alone
If you have been charged with a DUI, do not make the mistake of trying to handle it on your own. An experienced attorney can help you plea to a lesser charge, avoid prosecution altogether, or work out some other arrangement that will keep the DUI off your record. Contact us to talk about all your options and determine what the best course of action is in your particular situation.
