A lot of people don’t understand how they could get a DUI, let alone the true ramifications it can have on their lives. A DUI offense is a criminal conviction for driving under the influence. This means that it has been proven in a court of law that you were found operating a motor vehicle while you were under the influence of alcohol. It takes much more than one drink to become intoxicated, which means that it is hard to argue that you were unaware of your actions at the time. A DUI can have a devastating effect on your present and future, in almost every area of your life.
DUI Convictions and Employment
Being convicted of a DUI can mean trouble in the workplace. If you work in the transportation industry, that could literally be the end of your career. In a lot of other cases, it means that you will not readily be eligible for promotions anytime soon. DUI records are not hard to find if you know where to look, so you might want to tell your employer rather than having them find out. Look for and find DUI records via Public Records Reviews before explaining yourself. Always be truthful about the circumstances and ask your employer for help if you need to. Public Records Reviews posts up to date information on DUIs and other driving-related offenses online.
What Happens to Students Caught Driving Under the Influence?
Whether a student is above the age of 21 or below, most schools are quite firm about their zero-tolerance policies surrounding DUI offenses. If you are attending college on an academic scholarship, you might become ineligible if it is proven that you were found guilty of a drinking and driving offense. Your membership in a fraternity or sorority could be canceled, and you might even be banned from driving on campus for a while. In worst-case scenarios, a DUI conviction could lead to your expulsion.
How a DUI Can Take Away Your Freedom
For many, a DUI means that you are going to have to go to court, possibly hire an attorney, and ultimately end up with a black mark on your criminal record. Some court systems require those with DUI offenses to take classes, perform community service, or go on probation. In other instances, a DUI conviction leads to actual jail time. Unless you know the laws of your city, you won’t know what is going to happen to you until you face a judge. A DUI has led to many people spending a significant amount of time behind bars.
DUIs, Insurance Rates, and Driving Privileges
Whether or not you face any other consequences, it is almost certain that you are going to have problems with driving in the future as a result of a DUI. At best, your insurance rates are going to go through the roof, and you will likely have an issue with coverage. Some insurance companies automatically cancel policies as a result of DUI convictions. You could also have your driver’s license suspended, which makes it difficult to obtain insurance. Be prepared to deal with jacked up insurance rates, surcharges, and even penalties from DMV if you are caught drinking and driving.
What Happens When Your Family Learns of Your DUI Conviction?
Whether your family comes from a strict religious background that forbids alcohol altogether or you have loved ones who have more liberal beliefs, the fact is that they are going to be overwhelmingly disappointed. A DUI conviction can have a really lasting effect on family units. For those still living with family, it could lead to being kicked out of the home or cut off financially. Some families might insist that a relative with a DUI conviction go into intensive alcohol abusive rehab. For most, it simply means that there will be the constant reminder of a past mistake. And if this isn’t your first DUI conviction, you might even have family members that elect to eliminate you from their lives. DUIs are serious business, as they are one of the leading causes of traffic accidents and deaths. While you probably will not initially agree with your family’s response, you also should respect their feelings and wishes.
Although DUIs have been a major problem and major organizations have been working to fight their prevalence, there are just some people who don’t learn how irresponsible this behavior is until they are caught. Consider that being charged with a DUI means that you are still alive. Some of those who choose to drive while under the influence of alcohol never get to make amends for their poor decisions. What’s more is the fact that driving under the influence can also harm innocent people. If you are dealing with the consequences of a DUI, please let them serve as a deterrent and promise yourself to never make these same decisions again.
