One of the most common criminal offenses in the United States is Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Individuals proven guilty of DUI have to face numerous consequences that may linger on for years. Some of the short-term consequences of a DUI include:
- Temporary driver’s license suspension
- Fees and fines
- High insurance premiums
- Court-mandated community service
- Participation in drunken driving education programs
- Jail time
Apart from the short-term consequences, there are long-term consequences of a DUI. After the legal obligations are fulfilled and the fines are paid, a DUI convict will still face many hurdles because of the conviction. The long-term consequences that a DUI convict may have to face include:
Driver’s License Revocation
A DUI convict may face revocation of their driver’s license. This revocation can last for a period of about two years in case of a first conviction. This results in difficulty to work and if your work requires you to drive, you may lose your job. Losing your license will make it difficult for you to enjoy family visits, attend social activities, run simple chores and so on. Moreover, the loss of liberty to drive one’s own car is also very worrying. The job performance of an individual may suffer as well.
Background Checks
Criminal background checks are conducted by employers before they hire someone for a job. If an individual has a felony or a DUI conviction on their record, this could result in failure to get a job. Some colleges also conduct criminal background checks when they consider someone for financial aid application, admission process and housing application. Similar background checks are also conducted by landlords that may result in loss of a desired property.
Employment
The current job of an individual can also be affected in case of a DUI conviction. Court hearings, jail time and community service hours can cause a great mess of your work schedule which may lead to risking your job. Moreover, individuals looking for a job may not be preferred if they have a DUI conviction on their record. Employers do not happily hire those with a DUI conviction. Sometimes, a DUI conviction does not affect your job application but it hinders your prospects. Certain jobs that require driving a company vehicle may be closed for an individual with a DUI conviction in the past.
Auto Insurance Rates
Drivers with a DUI conviction are considered “high risk” drivers. Insurance companies increase the automobile insurance rates after a DUI conviction. The insurance rates of a DUI convict may be double or triple for at least several years. Some insurance companies terminate the coverage right away.
Professional Relationships
A DUI conviction can affect your image in front of your coworkers and employer. It cannot be hidden because the local media publicize it which may lead to an everlasting stain to your character. A DUI conviction may result in loss of your job depending upon the policies of the employer regarding DUI convictions.
