What Happens When You Get a DUI

When you’re accused of driving under the influence (DUI), the impacts on your future shouldn’t be understated. Even if you weren’t involved in a car accident, these charges are serious and can affect many areas of your life. 

Because of this, you may help to overcome these charges. Talk with a DUI lawyer about building a strong defense for your case.

Conviction Penalties and License Suspension

When you’re pulled over for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), you may face harsh penalties if you’re convicted. A first-time DUI conviction is a misdemeanor. If this won’t be your first conviction, you will likely face more severe penalties. 

Even in a first-time offense, you may face up to ninety-three days in jail, with up to 360 hours of community service. That impacts your job, your home life, and your record. 

You may also have your license suspended if you get a DUI and fail to fight against these charges. You may need to work with your OWI lawyer to get these penalties reduced or dismissed. 

Impacts to Your Insurance 

The initial effects of a DUI conviction are bad enough—but it can get worse. A DUI can impact your finances beyond the initial fines and jail time. 

Your insurance company will be notified of the conviction, and it may take actions against you. Typically, your rates will increase if you’re convicted of a DUI. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so if you’re driving recklessly, you’re a risk to their profits. They may increase the costs of your insurance policy or even drop your coverage. 

Long-Term Impacts for Drivers 

You may think you’re prepared to take these penalties and overcome them, but even that isn’t the end of your case. When you’re accused of drinking and driving, you may face penalties that impact you for years to come. 

Your criminal record will reflect the DUI conviction if you don’t fight back, and that can hurt your future opportunities. Let’s say you want to get your commercial drivers license (CDL), or you’re looking for a job that calls for driving. Because of your record, you may find it difficult to find a job in the right market. Housing can also be difficult when your record may show up in a background check. 

Sometimes, you may also lose your license forever. Getting your license revoked can be embarrassing, and it can leave you relying on others or public transportation to travel around. You can speak with a lawyer about defending your case, rather than putting your rights at risk. 

Speak with a DUI Lawyer Before You’re Convicted 

When you get a DUI conviction, it can upend your life, impacting your finances, job prospects, and housing opportunities. That makes it difficult to recover from the conviction and get your life back to normal. 

That’s why you may need a lawyer at the Schwartz Law Group to help you avoid a conviction. Your attorney can defend your case when you’re accused of a DUI. They can help you get your charges reduced or dismissed when you reach out. Call 248-930-5019 or fill out the online contact form below to work with a lawyer soon.