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Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life

Houston & Alexander, PLLC • Jun 04, 2021

Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional Life

Lasting Impacts of a DUI on Personal and Professional LifeAbout 4000 people are arrested or charged for a DUI in the U.S every day. Driving under the influence is a common offense, despite the harsh legal consequences.

A DUI conviction can lead to a ruthless sentence, which may include indefinite jail time, hefty fines, probation, community service, suspension/revocation of driver’s license, as well as mandatory enrollment into a DUI program/rehabilitation.

Legal punishment aside, drunk driving is a social stigma that lingers and interferes with all spheres of life.

1. Loss of Driving Privileges

A DUI conviction will almost certainly result in a temporary suspension of your driver’s license, or permanent cancellation under extreme circumstances.

This can become a major hindrance in carrying out day-to-day activities, such as commute to work.

You may have to install an ignition interlock device in your car and abide by other limitations of probation.

2. Withdrawal of Professional Licensing

Agencies that approve licenses for professions in industries like healthcare, law, and finance may renounce your practicing rights.

Consequently, you may not be able to continue a current job or be forced to shut down a private business.

You might have to depend on an alternative source of livelihood for a long period.

3. Disappointing Background Checks

When you apply for a job, a degree program in a university, on any personal loan, you are bound to undergo a thorough background check.

Employers are reluctant to hire a person with a DUI on their criminal record, as it signifies irresponsible behavior.

Similarly, educational faculties may deem you unfit to be part of their well-reputed organization.

Credit issuers and lenders are also wary of applicants with a criminal record for the same reasons.

4. High Insurance and Interest Rates

Many auto insurers reject candidates who have a questionable driving history and DUIs are particularly dreaded.

If an insurance company agrees to take you on, it will probably impose a pricey premium.

Your current insurer might cancel your policy or raise your monthly payable amount significantly.

DUI convicts are often subject to high-interest rates on car leases, house mortgages, credit cards, and other personal loans as well.

5. Disadvantages in Career and Academics

If you were selected for an academic scholarship before the onset of DUI charges, prepare to say goodbye to that opportunity post-conviction.

No school or college would be willing to provide the incentive to a student with a criminal record. You might not even qualify for a student loan.

If your employer was previously considering you for a promotion, they will most certainly change their mind after learning about your conviction.

Even if you get to keep your job, you could be deprived of several employee benefits, such as an end-of-year bonus.

6. Suspicious/Distrustful Character

The worst outcome of a DUI conviction is that your loved ones lose faith in you.

Relatives and peers may talk behind your back and refrain from inviting you to events serving alcohol.

Your friends and family might be afraid of driving with you again.

You may lose the respect of the people in your community and they might not even want to be associated with any of your family members.

Been charged with a DUI conviction?

In addition to a criminal record, the  costs of a DUI conviction  may include:

  • Increased automobile insurance costs — at least five years in most cases
  • Job opportunity implications — many employers will not hire people with alcohol-related driving convictions
  • Restricted driving privileges or NO driving privileges
  • Harsher penalties for subsequent convictions
  • If you’re a college student, disciplinary action by the school

If you are accused or suspected of a DUI/DWI crime, you must prevent conviction at all costs.

First-time offenders are likely to get the charges dismissed or reduced if they are represented by a competent DUI Defense Lawyer.

Been charged with a DUI in Chattanooga, TN?

We represent clients in both state and federal court and can defend any impaired driving charges. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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