Aside From Financial Penalties, What Can A DUI Conviction Cost You?

Posted on: 27 December 2017

If you plead guilty, no contest, or are convicted of a DUI, you likely know that you may be facing heavy fines and penalties. But what you may not realize is that a DUI conviction can cost you more than just financial penalties. Here are a few of the different ways a DUI conviction can cost you. 

Your License for Up to a Year

In most states, when you are convicted of your first DUI, you can lose your license for six to 12 months. The loss of your license only increases for each subsequent DUI conviction. This may make it hard for you to get to work, to pick up your children, or to have a social life. 

Higher Insurance Rates for Up to 10 Years

A DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years. An insurance company will be able to see this and can charge you a higher insurance rate because of it. As such, you can expect to pay significantly more for your auto insurance for up to 10 years following a DUI conviction. 

The Ability to State You Have Not Been Convicted of a Crime

When you are applying for a rental home or a job, you are asked if you have been convicted of a crime. If you have been convicted of a DUI, you must check yes for this question. This can impact your ability to get jobs or rent property.

The Ability to Travel to Certain Countries

The last thing that a DUI conviction can take away from you is your ability to travel to certain countries. Some countries will not let criminals into their country, including those who have minor offenses, such as DUIs. Canada is one such country. If one of your goals in life is to travel the world, a DUI can limit the places you can travel. 

A DUI is a criminal charge, not a traffic charge. It carries with it stiff consequences, some of which can follow you around for the rest of your life. If you have been charged with a DUI or DWI, it is advised that you consult with a DUI attorney. There may be defenses that can be used to help get the charges against you reduced, dropped, or that can raise reasonable doubt, so a judge or jury may find you not guilty. With so much at stake, you owe it to yourself to try to fight these charges.

For more information, talk to companies like Pollack & Ball LLC.

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