Receiving a DUI conviction is, without a doubt, a low point for many people. Possible fines, license revocations, and other penalties can have a serious impact on the convicted person's lifestyle. Still, it is not the end of the road. These penalties' impact will fade with time, until their life is back to normal.
The first impact people feel from a DUI charge or conviction is a revocation of their driving privileges. Since many working professionals rely on their car exclusively for transport, now being reliant on another person or on public transportation can be quite a shift. This is, of course, temporary however. Most DUI license revocations last a year as long as the person pays their fines on time. By that time, they may be appreciating the amount they save on insurance and gas money!
Another detrimental effect on a person convicted of a DUI is the financial one. The fines for a single DUI, to include costs of mandatory rehabilitation, can be upwards of $10,000. Some people go into debt over a DUI conviction, leading to a failure to pay fines and further penalties. If the fines are manageable, the insurance increase will most likely not be. Insurance premiums can rise 300-400% immediately after a DUI, making the cost of driving almost if not prohibitive. Luckily, like an accident this will fade over time. Most insurance companies ask if a person has had a DUI within five years, after which time they are treated as a minor infraction. After ten years, most of the time a DUI is considered yesterday's news by all concerned parties.
The criminal aspect of a DUI can be a little trickier. Most jobs ask on application whether or not a person has been convicted of a crime; a DUI is, unfortunately for them, a crime. Many times employers understand of a DUI, however. Even most police departments will accept an applicant with a DUI as long as a certain amount of time has elapsed. Like the insurance issue, time heals this wound, and the person will be employable before long.
One way to alleviate some of these potential consequences, aside from not drinking and driving, is to hire a DUI attorney. A DUI lawyer on retainer is a great asset in case you are accused of or charged with a DUI. They will speak to the police on your behalf in many cases, and if you are arrested and charged they can negotiate with the prosecution on your behalf to reduce the sentence. Any improprieties by the police that your lawyer can identify may result in a dismissal of charge. In short, don't skip the step of hiring a DUI attorney, particularly if you are already in hot water!
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