Over time, DUI has resulted in fatalities and major accidents. If you are unfamiliar with the topic of DUI, here are some basics.
DUI means “Driving Under Influence” but another widely-used term for it is “driving while intoxicated” (DWI). This simply means drunk driving. Other terms like; “operating under the influence” (OUI), “driving while visibly impaired” (DWVI), operating while impaired (OWI), and so on, are used by different states also.
The definition of “driving while intoxicated” varies from state to state. These definitions make it clear to drivers what is prohibited and what the prosecution must show in order to secure a DUI conviction in court.
However, all states’ DUI statutes have a similar fundamental framework and demand evidence that the offender was;
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- Operating a Vehicle- Being under the influence while “driving” is against the law in various states, including Los Angeles. In other words, the driver had to really be driving the car for the prosecution to prove their case.
However, most states, including Nebraska, have strict DUI laws. They not only forbid operating a vehicle while under the influence but also “being in actual physical control” of one. According to this definition, you may be charged with a DUI even if your car is stationary.
State laws differ in their terms of direction. However, the purpose of these regulations is to give law enforcement the ability to detain an intoxicated driver who hasn’t yet engaged the gears but is in a position to do so.
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- Under the Influence- Impairment and “per se” laws are the two main categories of DUI laws in every state. In other words, it’s possible to be found guilty of DUI
This can be based on whether you are actually impaired by alcohol or drugs. Or if you are “per se” considered to be under the influence due to the amount of alcohol or drugs in your system.
Each state has its own definition of what constitutes being “under the influence.” Some jurisdictions demanded evidence of substantial impairment, but others merely wanted to see evidence of a minor impairment.
10 Things You May Not Expect From a DUI Conviction
Expert DUI Lawyers in Los Angeles stated that a driver must be aware that if you’re convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles or any state, you could lose your ability to drive.
This is why it is essential to immediately contact a DUI lawyer to know your future steps. Suppose you have been found guilty of driving while intoxicated by alcohol or drugs. In that case, DUI lawyers have experience handling DUI cases and gathering all the evidence you may need to support your defense.
However, What you might not be aware of is that; a DUI conviction can have an impact on your life in a number of ways aside from the fact that you will need to depend on someone else for transportation for at least six months.
Here are ten consequences of a DUI conviction that you might not have considered possible.
1. Significant Increase in Home and Health Insurance
Your health and home insurance premiums may increase as a result of a DUI. A DUI is frequently viewed by insurance companies as a risk factor that suggests bad judgment. The increases will accumulate even though they might not be as significant as those for your auto insurance.
2. Work Absences Due to Court Dates
You might need to take a significant amount of time off from work to attend and prepare for court appearances. In addition to the fines and other costs related to a DUI, this could result in lost wages(mostly if your company deducts from your salary per absence).
3. Charged with Several Fines
You’ll be charged with fines and court fees in addition to losing your license. You could soon be facing fines of up to $1,000 for your first DUI conviction as you continue to pay $75 here and $30 there. Depending on the severity of the offense and your prior driving record, habitual offenders can expect to pay fines ranging from $1,800 to $18,000.
4. DUI Education Classes and Ignition Locks
The court may order you to install an ignition lock device on your vehicle at your expense if you are found guilty of DUI. Additionally, you might be required to pay for and attend DUI classes. These things add up easily to $500 or more.
5. Losing Jobs and Source of Income
First, your employer might have a term in their employee handbook that permits them to fire you for any crime. Your employer has the right to fire you if you are guilty of DUI because it is a felony. You’ll also need to take a lot of time off work to attend court and meet with attorneys. That may not go over well with your employer, and you risk losing your job.
6. You May be Denied Scholarships
In addition to other reasons why people are denied scholarships, many institutions won’t award scholarships to students who have a record of arrests. Due to your DUI history, you can also not be accepted. If you are arrested for DUI, it would be a good idea for you to speak with a DUI attorney right away. Your DUI attorney might be able to assist you in fixing this.
7. Auto Insurance Lost
You can lose your auto insurance if you get a DUI, yes. You will still be able to purchase new insurance, but it will be very expensive. Your insurance rates could nearly double with just one DUI conviction.
8. Forfeiture of a Professional License
There are associations for many professions that control licensing. If found guilty of DUI, the governing body may revoke the licenses of doctors, lawyers, and other specialists. Most professional associations allow license revocation for a single felony, though typically it takes a history of poor performance or judgment.
9. Issues With Job Applications
A DUI must be disclosed as a felony on job applications and appears on background checks. Because of that one bad mark, you might not get the job if the hiring manager had to choose between you and a candidate without the same DUI record.
10. You Cannot Have a Weapons Permit
You cannot carry a gun if you have ever been convicted of a felony. This may make it more difficult for you to get hired or keep a job where carrying a weapon is required.
Final Thoughts
Only ten of the potential consequences of a DUI conviction are listed above. Please speak with a DUI attorney right away to discuss your case if you or a loved one is facing one. It will be the most crucial action you take today.
