The Unspoken Consequences of a DUI Arrest
Most everyone knows the penalties of a DUI conviction. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you face expensive fines, the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, alcohol or drug classes and possibly even jail time.
However, many people do not know that the consequences of a DUI conviction extend far beyond those penalties. That is why it is important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing DUI charges.
A DUI Can Impact Your Career
For many people, a DUI could have a significant impact on your career. If you have a career that requires you to drive or operate machinery, you will likely lose your job. Additionally, you are likely to lose employment if your job involves children.
Having a DUI conviction on your criminal record will also make it difficult to obtain professional licenses. If you are trying to obtain a license to advance your career in the medical field or as a teacher, your career may have to be put on hold or you may be forced to pursue a new career.
With a criminal record, it can be difficult to find and maintain any employment. Most potential employers will ask if you have ever been convicted of a crime. If you have a DUI conviction, you may have to disclose this to current or potential employers, and it will make you look unfavorable as an employee.
Your Social and Family Life Will Change
One thing that is difficult to account for is how a DUI conviction affects your personal relationships. Depending on the circumstances of your case and your social circle, a conviction could have a lasting impact on your personal life.
Most importantly, you could lose your driving privilege, which means you will have to rely on others or public transportation to get you to where you need to go. Something as simple as going to the grocery store could become suddenly more complicated.
Your reputation within your family and friends will be tarnished. You may not be trusted with tasks such as babysitting children or making it to social events. If you have custody or visitation rights with your children, you could lose all or some of your rights. There is a negative stigma attached to a DUI conviction even outside the criminal justice system.1
DUI Convictions Will Cost You Money
A DUI conviction could cost you a lot more than just the expensive fines you have to pay up front. In the long term, you will have to pay for alcohol classes, medical expenses, property damage and attorney’s fees.
The costliest consequence of a DUI conviction may be the increased insurance premiums you will have to pay. In fact, studies show that a first-time DUI conviction in California costs up to $16,000.2 This may be the worst part of any DUI conviction.
Speak to an Orange County DUI Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, you need to contact an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately. At Wallin & Klarich, our skilled attorneys have been successfully defending clients facing DUI charges for over 30 years. We will meet with you immediately to review the facts of your case and plan a defense strategy that will help you get the best outcome possible.
With offices located in Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Orange County, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, West Covina and Victorville, there is an experienced Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you work or live.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation. We will be there when you call.
1. https://www.duicentral.com/blog/2016/01/07/the-dui-stigma href=”#ref1″>↩
2. http://www.southerncaliforniadefenseblog.com/2013/10/costs_of_a_dui_conviction.html href=”#ref2″>↩
