If you’re arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, you’re likely to have concerns about the impact on your future.
However, before you get too far ahead of yourself, keep in mind that an arrest doesn’t always result in a conviction. There are numerous defense strategies you can use to avoid a conviction or lessen the impact on your life.
Here are some of the most common ways a DUI conviction can affect your future:
- Insurance premium increase: Your insurance company is likely to increase your premium as the result of your DUI conviction. And depending on the circumstances, such as if you’ve been arrested for this crime in the past, they may cancel your coverage altogether.
- Driver’s license suspension: If your license is suspended for any period of time, it can impact your ability to get to and from work and/or school.
- Your career: Depending on your career, a DUI conviction may result in your dismissal. For example, if you drive for a living, your employer may have a zero tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Loss of scholarships: As a student, a DUI conviction can affect your financial aid package, such as by making you ineligible for scholarships. Subsequently, you may find it difficult to pay for your education.
- Permanent criminal record: This may not seem like a big deal up front, but it can affect you in many ways down the road. For example, if you apply for a new job and the employer runs a background check, your conviction will move to the forefront.
- Installation of an ignition interlock device: Even if it’s only required for a short period of time, it’s still a hassle to deal with every time you want to operate your vehicle.
These are just a few of the many ways a DUI conviction can affect your future. With so much potential for turning your life upside down, it’s a must to have a defense strategy that improves your chance of success in the courtroom.
A DUI arrest is scary, but don’t let it alter the way you defend yourself in court.