7 Unexpected Pitfalls of a DUI

A DUI conviction can result in a lot of problems. You will certainly have to pay court fees and fines, and you will have to pay more in car insurance. You may have to pay to have an ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle, and you may have to pay to get alcohol counseling or take driving classes.

You should certainly hire a DUI attorney in Mesa, as well, to try to minimize the penalties and protect your rights.

In addition to these consequences of a DUI, you may be surprised to learn that there are other repercussions. Here are seven unexpected pitfalls you may experience after a DUI:

Lose Your Car Insurance

Most people expect to see an increase in their car insurance rates after a DUI conviction or any other driving problem. However, what you might not expect is that you lose your car insurance altogether. Your insurance company has the right to cancel your policy and refuse you as a customer if you are convicted of a DUI. You can still get insurance from another company, but you will end up paying a lot for the policy.

Pay More for Health Insurance

Driving under the influence doesn’t just show that you made a one-time mistake. To many, it also shows that you are not able to make safe and responsible decisions. For that reason, a DUI conviction may indicate to your health insurance company that you are a risk. Not to mention the fact that you are at increased risk of needing health care if you are driving drunk since you may get into a serious accident. Don’t be surprised if your health insurance rates go up after a DUI conviction.

Lose Your Job

If you work in a job where you have to drive, getting a DUI conviction can result in your termination. You can’t drive if you have shown that you are not a safe driver. Your employer will likely scan your driving record regularly for infractions, and as soon as your DUI appears, your employer may terminate you.

Even if you don’t drive on the job, you may still lose your employment. A DUI conviction can result in a felony, and most employers reserve the right to fire you for any criminal offense.

Struggle to Get a New Job

Not only can a DUI conviction result in a mark on your record, but it can also result in a termination that is difficult to explain. Your conviction can create two obstacles to you getting a new job. Even if you are not applying for jobs that require you to drive, you are going to struggle to convince new employers that you are responsible and make good decisions.

Don’t think about lying about your conviction or your termination either. Any falsehoods discovered on your application can result in your termination and even prosecution.

Lose Your Professional License

You can lose your right to drive if you are convicted of a DUI, depending on the severity of the case and whether it was your first conviction. But if you are convicted of a DUI, your driver’s license may not be the only license you lose. If you have a professional license, such as if you are a practicing doctor or attorney, your license can be revoked if you are convicted of a DUI. The professional boards that regulate licensure have rules governing when a license can be revoked, so you should check with the specific board that oversees your licensure.

Struggle to Get a Scholarship

To get a scholarship, you need to show that you’re more than just smart. Most scholarship providers also want to see that you have shown leadership and character. Having a DUI conviction on your record is going to make people question your character and your decision-making ability, and you are going to have a hard time winning any scholarship.

Difficulty Getting a Gun

If your DUI conviction has resulted in a felony on your criminal record, you will not be able to get a gun. Felons are not legally allowed to carry guns. If you need to apply for a job that would require you to carry a gun, such as a security guard, you will face additional struggles to find employment.

There are a lot of ways that a DUI can affect you that might not even realize. The best thing you can do is to call an Uber or a taxi if you need to go somewhere if you have been drinking. But if you are arrested and charged with DUI, you should contact an experienced DUI attorney near Mesa as quickly as possible to represent you. A good DUI lawyer may be able to get the charges against you dismissed or to get you reduced penalties, helping to protect your future.

My AZ Lawyers can help if you have been charged with DUI in the Phoenix area. Our DUI attorneys have been representing clients in Mesa, Glenda, Tucson, Phoenix and the surrounding area for many years, and they are committed to getting the best outcome for every case, whether that means getting the charges dropped or getting the penalties reduced. Our attorneys can help if you are facing your first DUI charge or your fifth. Call us in Mesa today to speak with one of our DUI defense attorneys and start exploring your legal options.

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My AZ Lawyers

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Mesa, AZ 85202
Office: (480) 448-9800

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