Even for a first-time offender, a DUI arrest can have lasting effects for years to come. While it does not seem fair that a choice you made when you were 20 can affect you well into your 40s and 50s, the truth is that your choices now have a direct impact on where you end up in the future.
This fact highlights the importance of not only staying off the road when you are drunk, but also being aware of the local laws regarding blood alcohol limits and knowing where to turn when you do find yourself in a predicament.
Long-term effects of a DUI can include the following.
It will show up in a background check
Most employers do a background check before choosing from a possible applicant pool. This means that if you have a DUI on your record, it will show up to your potential employer. In a world where there is competition in almost every industry to get a great job, a misdemeanor or felony can make all the difference in your career.
When you want to rent a place to live, your landlord may also run a background check and turn you away if you have a DUI conviction. A mark on your record can also affect your ability to get financial aid for college.
It can increase your insurance rates
You know the drill. Even a small fender bender can increase your auto insurance rates, and a DUI makes the situation much worse. If you have been convicted of a DUI, the insurance company considers you a high-risk driver. Some insurance companies will terminate your coverage, and others may triple your rates for several years.
It can change your professional and personal relationships
Being convicted of a DUI may change the way people look at you and the way you feel about yourself. This can affect your ability to develop personal and professional relationships that are important to you.
While a DUI does not have to mean the end of the world, handling it well is important to protect every aspect of your future. If you have been charged with a DUI and are not sure where to turn, we encourage you to contact an attorney immediately.