7 Consequences Of Houston DUI That Last Long
DUI convictions come with ramifications that are very serious which can often linger for a number of years. Many people know what the short-term consequences are all about, which includes fines, fees, a temporary suspension on our driver’s license, an increase in insurance premiums, having to participate in a drunk-driving education program, community service that has been mandated by a court, and in some instances even time in jail.
You may have been lucky to enter into a plea bargain which would involve probation rather than jail time. This might appear to be a favorable deal, yet the probation periods in most cases are a lot longer when compared to a jail sentence. In addition, if you violate these probation conditions, this could translate into jail time, which means you risk having incarceration on your record for a lot longer. This will also include thousands-of-dollars that you will be liable for in fees and fines. If you are able to pay for them immediately you might be okay, but when you won’t or can’t pay, then you may incur even more financial damages along with the risk of having to go to jail.
Unfortunately, the long-standing shock waves caused by a DUI often causes an immense amount of pain. Even once you have paid the fines and you have fulfilled all the legal obligations, a DUI conviction has the ability to undermine any future opportunities and hang a dark cloud over your life for many years. Finding out more about how a DUI can affect you is the first step you need to take to not only protect yourself but also your family along with your future. Here is a list of a few of the long-term consequences associated with a DUI conviction:
1. Revocation Of Your Driver’s License
A DUI conviction might result in a revocation of your driver’s license for as long as two years if it is your 1st conviction. DUI convictions also make it harder to secure a job opportunity, or if you have a job that involves driving, you might even lose your job. When you are not allowed to drive anymore, this is very stressful to go through. When you no longer have a license, simple tasks such as visiting your family or running errands or even participating in your favorite social activities can become very challenging. You might arrive for work late more often, feel stressed and frustrated, and even become less attentive once you finally get to work. In most cases, your performance at work will start to suffer.
In many of the states, you will face an increase in your license suspension when you have any previous DUIs, or when your BAC was high, or if you refused the chemical test when you were asked appropriately to take one. Some of the states are known for permanently revoking a license for a 3rd or 4th DUI.
2. Background Checks
The majority of employers will conduct a criminal background check before they will hire a job applicant. A misdemeanor DUI conviction or felony will appear on your background check and may ruin even your best efforts when it comes to securing a job. These background checks are also used for college admission processes and financial-aid applications, along with housing applications. Landlords will almost always conduct a background check, and if you have a DUI conviction it could interfere with getting a place that you really want.
3. Employment
Even your current employment could come under fire with a DUI conviction or arrest. Jail time, community service, and court dates can really damage your working schedule and of course, your job may be at risk. For job seekers, they will find themselves at a drastic disadvantage in comparison to other applicants if there is a DUI that shows up on their record. Most employers do not feel comfortable about hiring an applicant that has a DUI conviction. Even though your DUI conviction might not be related to a job that you are currently applying for, in most cases it could negatively impact on your prospects, and may even outrightly disqualify you. For the jobs that involve driving company vehicles, which include catering, pizza delivery, sales, and even a cab driving job, will usually be closed off to you.
4. Auto Insurance Premiums
After a DUI conviction, your current automobile insurance rate will in most cases increase drastically, as the drivers that have a DUI conviction are regarded as “high-risk” drivers by these insurance companies. You might find that your insurance rate will double or even triple, and this will last for a number of years. Some of the insurance companies might even cancel your coverage.
5. Professional Relationships
If you are arrested for a DUI, and you are not even convicted, this can have a negative impact on how your employer and your coworkers perceive you. Even when you have tried to keep everything private, your arrest for a DUI might be publicized which will affect your reputation permanently. You might even be fired, depending on the company’s policy when it comes to DUI convictions.
6. Personal Relationships
After a DUI conviction or arrest, you will probably be extremely worried about the way your family members and your friends will look at you, and it is very common that you will feel embarrassed. Initially, your family or friends might feel worried or concerned about you. They may become overly attentive which might cause you to become resentful or irritated that they want to know everything about what is going on with you.
7. Scholarship Programs
There are a number of schools that will not accept the students that have a DUI conviction, and scholarships might be denied or revoked. Some of the colleges will conduct a background check and they may ask the applicant to disclose whether they have a criminal history when they complete a college application.
Contact our firm or call us today for more information. We invite you to visit our blog for more related articles!