Charged with a DUI? Here’s How a Conviction Could Affect Your Life
A DUI carries strict penalties such as fines and jailtime, but these punishments are only the tip of the iceberg. With a conviction on your record, you could struggle to lead a normal life even ten or twenty years after you were arrested. With your future at stake, it’s important to consider your next steps carefully.
Thankfully, you will have an opportunity to fight the charges to either have the penalties reduced or the case against you dismissed. For now, read on to find out how a DUI conviction could affect your life:
1. You Probably Won’t Be Allowed to Drive
Whether it’s dropping off the kids at school, tackling the morning commute, or just running errands, being able to drive is practically mandatory in Florida. However, if you’re convicted for driving under the influence, you will probably be barred from driving for a considerable period. Depending on the nature of your offense, your license may be suspended for multiple years, leaving you with no other choice than to cycle, carpool, use public transport, or walk.
2. You Might Pay More for Car Insurance
The state requires anyone convicted for driving under the influence to purchase and maintain a certain level of coverage for up to three years after the offense. Such coverage will usually cost significantly more than the usual mandatory minimum, possibly adding hundreds of dollars to your annual insurance bill. In addition to court fees, fines, and other costs associated with your charges, a DUI can put immense strain on your finances.
3. You May Struggle to Rent a Home
Most property owners are searching for tenants they can trust. That not only means finding someone who will pay their rent on time, but a candidate who also has a spotless criminal record. As such, it’s common for landlords to conduct background checks on new applicants. If this search turns up a DUI conviction on your record, your lease application might be denied.
4. You Could Have Trouble Finding Work
Just as landlords are looking for trustworthy tenants, so too are employers. Before hiring someone, a business may look into the candidate’s criminal history. A previous conviction could push your application to the bottom of the pile.
If you already have a job, your DUI could still affect your employment status. Employers in the state can fire employees for almost any reason, so if your company discovers that you were convicted for drunk driving they may choose to let you go.
Discuss Your Case with a DUI Defense Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens, FL Today
A DUI conviction could haunt you for the rest of your life, so it’s important to fight the charges while you still have a chance. Attorney Todd A. Kawecki has handled many DUI cases, arming him with the necessary experience to help you prevail in your case. Contact us today at 772-485-4500 or tap through to our contact form HERE to request a free case review with a Florida DUI lawyer.