If you are accused of driving under the influence, it's important to understand the consequences of a conviction. You'll definitely want to hire legal representation to help defend you to the best of their ability because the risks are simply too great to do it on your own.

Legal Impact 

There are several legal penalties that you can face if convicted of a DUI, with the most notable one being fines. The potential fine that you have to pay will depend on where the DUI occurred and the local laws, as well as if you have any previous offenses on your record. Even if you are convicted, legal representation can help lower the fine that you have to pay. 

There is also the possibility that your license will be suspended. This will cause major problems with commuting to your job or school and can cause you to depend on others or public transportation. Repeat offenders may face harsh suspension lengths as well to further deter them from driving under the influence in the future.

You may also be ordered to attend educational courses, seek counseling, and take steps to inform you about the consequences of your actions. 

Insurance Impact

A DUI conviction will have a big impact on your auto insurance since it is very possible that your insurance provider will drop your coverage. You may be required to get SR22 insurance, which just adds to your overall insurance costs. You can expect premiums to increase at your next renewal period as well, which will make it more expensive to own and drive a vehicle. 

Criminal Record Impact

There are huge consequences of a DUI due to it being part of your criminal record. It can impact your ability to apply for housing, receive a professional license, and even travel to other countries. Potential employers will be able to see that you had a DUI when performing a background check, which may cause problems with securing employment. If an employer is selecting between two candidates and one of them has a DUI conviction, they will potentially choose the candidate that does not have a DUI conviction.

Personal Impact

Be aware of the personal impact that a DUI conviction can have. It can tarnish your reputation, and affect how other people think of you. If you face jail time due to a DUI conviction, that can have a long-lasting impact on your mental health which is difficult to recover from. 

Reach out to a local office like Carl G Zoecklein Law Firm to learn more.