- March 5, 2022
A DUI conviction is a serious offense and carries severe long-term penalties. You may have to suffer from several short as well as long-term consequences.
If you or your loved ones have been charged with a DUI, it is essential to understand the types of possible associated consequences you will face in Charleston, South Carolina.
If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI), don’t consider it as you would a traffic ticket. DUI offenses are the most common criminal offense crimes having grave consequences. Sometimes many dependable drivers with clean records are arrested for a DUI conviction, having their lives stuck in despair and suffering.
You should be aware of the short-term and long-term effects of a DUI. It also makes sense to rush to seek professional assistance from competent DUI lawyers. Our attorneys can guide you regarding the steps you can take to settle a DUI conviction.
Long-term Consequences of a DUI
Many DUI conviction penalties can persist for years, causing the greatest pain. Even after paying all the fines and satisfying your legal obligations, these convictions can challenge your future opportunities. Learning how you might be affected by a DUI is a critical step for protecting yourself and your future.
Here are some long-term consequences you might suffer from a DUI conviction:
Revocation Of Your Driver’s License
If you have been convicted of a DUI, you can lose your driver’s license for almost two years. Even If it’s your first offense, this sentence can lead to serious penalties. It becomes increasingly difficult to travel and get to and from work, exclusively if you have a commercial driver’s license.
You’ll have to consider different modes of transportation for your daily chores. After some time, it can be extremely stressful and make your life very difficult.
Failing Background Checks
Whether you need a new job, or just trying to get a new apartment, people organize a background check for you. A DUI conviction will stay on your record and result in failed routine background checks.
Loss Of Employment
When potential employers conduct background checks, there is a real possibility you can lose the opportunity to get a new job. A DUI conviction can cause employers to refuse to hire candidates.
If you already have a job, the employer may have an obligatory firing clause in your contract. It permits them to fire you if you are convicted of a DUI crime.
Increased Auto Insurance Premium Rates
Most people comprehend that their car insurance rates will increase after being convicted of a DUI. Insurance companies reflect people convicted for DUI as a much higher risk to insure.
Some insurance companies can also refuse to continue providing you with insurance. Plus, you may find it challenging to find any other company.
Loss Of Scholarships Or University Acceptance
Several schools around the state conduct a thorough background check before admitting new students. They can refuse to accept students who have a DUI sentence on their record. There is also a good chance your given scholarship for any program will be revoked immediately after a DUI conviction. Hence, a DUI can affect your career and the rest of your life.
Other Long-Term Consequences
Beyond the above-mentioned consequences, several others necessitate less explanation:
- Prison time can cause severe injury or death
- Emotional dealing with being liable for extreme injury or death
- Damage to your reputation
- Possible loss of your personal or professional relationships
- Domestic consequences like divorce or loss of custody over children
Short-term Consequences Of Drinking And Driving
Your life can change the moment you get charged for a DUI. You will have to suffer several short-term consequences as well. The penalties can spill over into the long-term category. These consequences can last for years.
Here is a list of some short-term effects of DUI conviction:
- Temporary driver’s license suspension
- Momentary vehicle confiscation
- Court fees, lawyers’ fees, and fines
- Jail time, house arrest, or probation
- Court-mandated community service
- Drunk-driving education programs
- Elevated insurance premiums
- Dropped insurance
Our Attorneys Can Help You Now
No one would want to face any of these long-term consequences of a DUI. The good news is that these penalties are avoidable if you have professional legal counsel by your side. A skilled DUI attorney can help you fight your charges to mitigate the penalties you’ll face for a DUI conviction.
Charleston DUI Guy and our team of experienced lawyers provide thoughtful legal counsel and aggressive defense of your rights in court.
Legal help is only a phone call away!
