Driving under the influence (DUI) charges is an act that inspires an assortment of potential consequences. The courts can put someone in jail. It is standard practice to impose fines and suspend an individual’s driver’s license after a DUI conviction.
The courts have a degree of discretion when sentencing DUI cases based on factors including a driver’s prior record and whether the incident involved any aggravating factors. Particularly in cases where people do not have a history of breaking the law and did not cause harm to other people, they may believe that pleading guilty is the most effective solution for pending DUI charges. People often assume that defending against DUI charges at trial is very costly. Yet, given the long-term impact of a DUI conviction, defending against the allegations could be the most cost-effective solution.
DUIs increase insurance expenses
Maintaining car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers in California. Those who represent more risk for the insurance company typically have to pay far more for their coverage. Drivers without a DUI on their record pay $1,868 on average for insurance. Those with a DUI conviction face an average policy cost of $4,937, which is a 164% increase!
Convictions can harm career prospects
There are several ways in which a DUI conviction can set a professional’s career development back. Sometimes, people are at risk of losing their jobs after DUI convictions. If they drive for a living, they may be ineligible for commercial licensing after a conviction. Their employers may have an internal rule about criminal convictions during employment.
Even if a defendant keeps their job, they may struggle to continue developing their career. A DUI offense shows up in every criminal background check performed by employers. Those seeking new jobs or a promotion could lose opportunities because of a DUI on their record. It can also be much more difficult to gain enrollment at institutions of higher education or obtain private scholarship funds with a criminal record.
Fighting DUI charges successfully can protect people from secondary expenses and criminal records that can alter their economic circumstances. A successful defense allows people to move on with their lives without losing their jobs or paying substantially more for insurance in the future.
