Daily Archives - September 19, 2014

10 things you Don’t Expect from a DUI Conviction

DUI Lawyer

You’re probably well aware that you can lose your driving privileges if you get convicted of a DUI in California. What you may not know is that there are several ways that a DUI conviction can affect your life outside of needing to count on someone else for rides for six months or longer. Here is a list of ten things that you don’t expect from a DUI conviction but that may happen.

Fines, Fines and More Fines

In addition to losing your license, you are going to be subject to fines and court costs. It’s $75 here, $30 there, and pretty soon, you could be paying up to $1,000 in fines for your very first DUI conviction. Habitual offenders can expect anywhere from $1,800 to $18,000 in fines depending on the seriousness of the offense and your previous driving record.

Loss of Job

First, your employer may have a provision in their handbook that allows them to fire you over any criminal offense. Since DUI can be a felony charge, your employer can choose to fire you over it. Also, the DUI will require you to take a lot of time off to meet with lawyers and to spend in court. Your employer may not take kindly to that, and you may end up out of a job.

No Car Insurance

Yes, your car insurance can drop you for a DUI. Yes, you will still be able to get new insurance, but it’s going to cost you a pretty penny. Even a single DUI conviction is enough to nearly double your current insurance rates.

Home and Health Insurance Increase

A DUI can cause your heath and home insurance rates to go up. Many insurance companies consider a DUI a risk factor that indicates poor decision-making. Although the increases may not be as steep as with your car insurance, they will add up.

Ignition Lock Devices and DUI Classes

When you get convicted of a DUI, the court can force you to have an ignition lock device on your car at your cost. You may also be required to attend DUI classes, also at your cost. These items can quickly add up to $500 or more.

Professional License Forfeiture

Many professions have associations that govern their licensing. Doctors, lawyers, and other specialists may have their licenses revoked by the governing agency for a DUI conviction. Usually, it will take a track record of poor performance or judgment, but most professional associations make it possible to revoke a license for a single felony.

Missed Work for Court Dates

As mentioned earlier, you may have to take significant time off from work to prepare for and attend court hearings. This can result in lost wages in addition to the fines and other costs associated with a DUI.

Job Application Issues

As a felony, a DUI must be put on job applications and shows up on background checks. If a hiring manager has narrowed hiring down to you and a candidate without the same DUI history, you may lose out on the job because of that one poor decision.

Scholarships May Be Unavailable

Many colleges won’t give scholarships to those with an arrest record. Also, you may be passed over for acceptance based on your DUI record.

No Weapons Permit for You

Having a felony on your record will prevent you from being able to carry a firearm. This can limit your ability to find a job or to continue in a job where carrying a weapon is part of the requirement.

These are only ten of the things that can happen because of a DUI conviction. If you or a loved one is facing one, please contact a DUI lawyer immediately to discuss your case. It will be the most important thing you do today.

By Ted Burgess
Google

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