If you have been convicted of a DUI, you’ll need to find a DUI attorney to be your defense attorney. The problem with a DUI is that it doesn’t just affect you during the time of conviction or when you are going through it like a divorce case or something else. Even if you’ve done a great job in finding a good attorney, there are still things about the DUI that can affect the rest of your life. Here are a few ways that a DUI will touch everything else in your life.
Permanent Record
A DUI goes on your permanent record and is considered criminal activity. This means that you’ll also have a mug shot and your fingerprints on file. If this is your first offense, you may be able to get away with just paying fines but second and third offense will also go on your permanent record as will the 30 day jail time that will no doubt be invoked.
License Suspension
Depending on what the courts say, your driver’s license could be suspended from six months to two years, typically. If you’ve done the research in finding a good attorney, then they might be able to lesson that time or they could get you a special circumstances license. This means you’ll be allowed to drive from your home to work and back again so that you can keep your current job, if your boss has not already let you go.
Fines
For a first offense, you might end up paying somewhere around $1,500 for the fine. On top of that, after finding a good attorney, you’ll need to pay the legal fees. Of course, the amount that you pay is based on your case, your lawyer and the judge. Second and third offense fines are much higher and even if you find a good lawyer, it will be near impossible to get you any kind of break. If this is your first offense, your lawyer might be able to lesson the charges against you since it is not considered a habit.
Ignition Interlock Device
This is something that your insurance may do of their own accord or they may be compelled to by the courts. The device is like a breathalyzer that is connected to the mechanics of your car and keeps records. You have to breath into it before you start your car and intermittently if your car is idling for too long. If any alcohol is detected on your breath, the car will not start or will shut off, depending on when the alcohol is detected.
DUI Counseling
It doesn’t matter if this is your first, second or third offense, DUI classes and counseling will be a requirement if you want to reinstate your driver’s license any time soon.
Insurance
Even if this is your first DUI, you can expect your insurance to sky rocket as far as prices go. Finding a good attorney will not save you from this one. Just be glad that you have to pay a lot for insurance; there are some insurance companies that will not cover you at all if you have a DUI.
Travelling
You may find that you have difficulty leaving the country even if you are just trying to go to Canada or Mexico. The border patrol has legal standing to be able to deny you entry into their countries if you have a DUI on your record.
Lawsuits
If you have hurt anyone because of an accident that you cause while driving drunk, then you will likely be undergoing extensive lawsuits and personal injury cases against you. Not only will you have to pay for the DUI but you may be charged with other things. If someone died because of you, you may have manslaughter or second degree murder to deal with.
Driving under the influence is no joking matter. If you know you cannot handle your liquor, you should not put yourself in situations where you are forced to decide. Whenever you are drinking, whether you can handle it or not, you should also designate a sober driver to chauffeur you and your friends before going out. Just make sure that they are responsible person and over the keys without a fuss.