Your DUI may have repercussions that spread outward from one wrong decision, resulting in long-term ramifications. Just because you made one bad decision, your long term future will be impacted in several different ways.
It’s important to understand these impacts and how you can navigate through them to eventually return to normal life again before you made the bad decision to drive under the influence.
Table of Contents
DUI Consequences in the Long Term
Increased Insurance Premiums
A DUI on your insurance record indicates that you are a “high risk driver,” which means that your monthly insurance costs will certainly rise. Some insurance companies may refuse to insure any drivers who have a DUI on their records, making it much more difficult to regain your driving rights.
Revocation of a Driver’s License
You may face a license revocation rather than a suspension depending on the severity of your case and the jurisdiction where you committed the DUI. Revocations are more permanent, making it more difficult to regain driving privileges when the revocation period has expired. The penalties for driving with a revoked license are substantially more severe than those for driving with a suspended license.
Background Inquires
Background checks can be done on you by potential employers, landlords, and college financial assistance institutions. These background checks will reveal whether you have a felony or misdemeanor DUI. While a DUI will not automatically prevent you from finding work, renting an apartment, or receiving financial aid, it will make things much more difficult and inconvenient.
Issues Obtaining Employment
Similarly, some businesses may be hesitant to keep an employee who has been charged with a DUI on the job, resulting in your dismissal. Because you have a DUI offense on your record, you may be unable to find work that requires you to drive any type of vehicle.
Suggestions on Moving Forward With Your Life
Although DUIs have a slew of short- and long-term consequences, it’s vital to remember that you can still live a full and productive life, albeit one fraught with challenges. Here are some suggestions to help you go on with your life after a DUI.
Consult an Attorney
It’s always a good idea to engage an experienced attorney, regardless of how things turn out following your DUI arrest. A lawyer can help lower any sentencing during a trial, which can go a long way if you’re faced with exorbitant fees and the possibility of prison time. A lawyer can give you with constant legal assistance, advising you of your rights and guiding you through any further procedures, in addition to providing representation during a trial. More than anything, dealing with legal issues of any kind may be frightening and traumatic. When you’re not feeling well emotionally, having someone who knows the law and has been trained in the subject might provide you with some comfort and peace of mind.
Keep Your Ignition Interlock Device Program on Track
If you’re compelled to use an ignition interlock device, make sure you know everything there is to know about them. Along with daily use, this needs routine maintenance and calibration. All of this guarantees that the gadget is in good functioning order, ensuring that you can complete your IID program without any difficulties. Failure to give breath samples or bring your device in for maintenance can result in additional penalties, including longer IID periods, fines, and the possibility of license suspension or revocation.
Consider Expunging your DUI Conviction
Expungement refers to the process of expunging a DUI conviction from your record, preventing potential employers, lenders, landlords, and other citizens from learning about it through a background check. Court officials and law police can still see DUIs that have been expunged. DUI convictions may not be removed in some states.
Attend Drunk Driving Classes and Get Evaluated
The judge may order that you complete a drug and alcohol education program and undergo an alcohol examination, depending on the jurisdiction and the sanctions in your case. Drug and alcohol seminars include advice on how to avoid driving while intoxicated as well as a review of your drinking habits. Take these lessons carefully, even if this material appears to be self-evident. You’re there because you made a mistake, so make the most of it by learning everything you can so you don’t make the same mistake again.
An evaluation with a qualified counselor is generally included in drug and alcohol education programs. This counselor will speak with you and examine any patterns of alcohol intake in your life to see if you have a problem with alcohol. This is significantly more serious than a DUI. Understanding whether or not you have an alcohol issue can have a significant influence on your life and may be the first step toward recovery.
Consider Going to a Therapist or Joining a Support Group
Going to Alcoholics Anonymous or support groups provides you with an open and confidential venue to express yourself and air out your complex feelings, as well as a dependable group of individuals to lean on when things go tough. If you don’t feel comfortable in a group situation, one-on-one counseling or therapy may be a better option for you. It can help you work through your emotions while also providing you with tools and techniques to maintain mental and emotional balance.
Abstain from Drinking and Driving in the Future
You definitely do not want to go through another DUI if your first DUI arrest hasn’t convinced you yet. Repeat DUI convictions will result in more severe criminal and administrative sanctions. If you’re going to be out drinking, make sure you have a backup plan for getting home. This is assuming you haven’t been diagnosed with a drinking problem.
Take a Look at Your Drinking Habits and Make Changes if Needed
It’s critical to examine your drinking habits, whether you work with a professional or have been diagnosed with an abuse disorder. You don’t always need to drink to have a good time, despite what society may portray or tell you. Most of the time, simply being in the right company and in the right environment is enough to have a good time. Avoid social interactions or environments where you could be tempted to drink. If your friends or family members appear unsupportive or do not take your DUI situation seriously, you may need to reconsider your social group.
Accept your situation first and foremost. It’s important to reflect on your mistakes and to take the matter seriously, but dwelling on them won’t assist you or anybody else. If given enough time and money, fines, suspensions, and penalties will all be lifted. Recognize that a DUI does not have to define who you are as a person. You still have the ability to rebuild and transform your life into something wonderful.