Long-Term DUI Consequences

By San Diego Attorney on August 15, 2017

Fees, fines, increased insurance premiums, and possibly even jail time—these are the consequences often associated with a DUI. But the long-term repercussions can be even harder to live with. Here are just a few of the long-term consequences you could face after being convicted of a DUI:

• Revocation of your driver’s license. If you are convicted of a DUI, even if it is your first offense, you will probably lose your driver’s license; sometimes for as long as two years. This will make it increasingly difficult to get to and from work, especially if you drive for a living. But even if you do not need your license for work, you will still need to find another mode of transportation to get groceries, see family, and more. After just a short time, this can become extremely stressful and make life very difficult.
• Failing background checks. Whenever you are trying to get a new job, or even just trying to get a new apartment, people conduct background checks on you more often than you realize. A DUI conviction will stay on your record, causing you to fail these routine background checks.
• Loss of employment. When potential employers conduct those background checks and see that you have a DUI on your record, there is a very real possibility that they will not hire you. Many employers refuse to hire candidates with any type of criminal charge on their record. But even if you already have a job, your employer may have a mandatory firing clause in your contract or employee handbook that gives them permission to fire you if you are ever convicted of a crime.
• Increased auto insurance rates/loss of auto insurance. Most people realize that their car insurance rates will increase after being convicted of a DUI. This is because insurance companies consider those who have been convicted a much higher risk to insure. Costs can quickly escalate into ten thousand dollars a year or more, and this can last for several years. Some insurance companies may also refuse to continue providing you with insurance and you may find it difficult to find another company that will.
• Deterioration of professional relationships. You may try to prevent your work from ever finding out about your DUI conviction, but this could prove difficult. Not only might the DUI be covered by local news sources, but the courts may actually contact your employer in some cases. Even if your employer decides to keep you on the job after the conviction, their opinion of you will be lowered. Also, those professional relationships you tried to build with your coworkers, possibly for several years, may deteriorate along with your reputation.
• Difficulty in personal relationships. Hopefully your family and friends love you no matter what you have faced in life, but that overwhelming care and concern may actually become a hindrance for you. People will likely ask about your drinking habits and constantly check in to make sure you are okay. While they do this out of love, it can be difficult to always have someone checking up on you and that may ultimately strain your personal relationships.
• Loss of scholarships or university acceptance. Many schools around the country refuse to accept students who have a DUI conviction on their record. And if you have been given a scholarship to any program, there is a good chance it will be revoked. This is serious, as it is could affect your career, and the rest of your life.

If you have been charged with a DUI, there are many consequences that you may simply not be able to prevent. But having a good San Diego drunk driving defense attorney by your side can make a world of difference when it comes to penalties. Contact JD Law at (760) 630-2000, and give yourself the best chance of getting on with your life.