Have you been charged with a DUI? You may be thinking about the immediate consequences of a conviction: fines, jail time, and a loss of license. Yet a DUI conviction also has long-term consequences you must be aware of.
Learn what to expect from a DUI conviction long-term. Then contact an experienced DUI conviction lawyer in Florida to improve your chances of acquittal.
Criminal Record
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal charge in Florida. If you are convicted of a DUI, it will remain on your criminal record permanently.
Many organizations will want to review your criminal record before working with you. For example, when you apply for a job, housing, or certain professional licenses, the organization may complete a background check to determine your eligibility. Often, having any convictions on their criminal record limits a person’s opportunities.
Even if you are not convicted, the arrest could remain on your criminal record unless you qualify for record expungement several years down the line. A DUI conviction lawyer in Florida can explain the expungement process and help you determine whether you may qualify.
Driving Record
A first-offense DUI leads to a license suspension of between 180 days and one year. But even after this period, a DUI will remain on your driving record.
In Florida, a DUI stays on your driving record for 75 years, which is essentially a lifetime. Should you face driving-related charges in the future, law enforcement agencies will consider your DUI conviction and may impose harsher penalties for violating traffic laws. Your DUI will follow you around for decades and could affect your ability to maintain a license.
Higher Insurance Premiums
You can also expect your auto insurance premiums to increase with a DUI conviction. Insurance companies evaluate your risk to them when determining your premiums. Having a DUI conviction in your driving history shows a company that you could drive under the influence again, putting you at greater risk of causing an accident that your insurer must pay for.
Some insurance companies only look at the past few years when evaluating your driving behavior, but others will look further for DUI charges.
Issues Gaining Employment
Many employers complete a background check as part of your job application. Your DUI conviction will show up on the background check and could hurt your employment opportunities. Your DUI conviction lawyer in Florida can explain how a DUI may impact your current job as well.
A DUI could stain your reputation, even if you’re applying for a job that has nothing to do with driving or operating machinery. If all other variables are the same between you and another candidate, a company may choose the other candidate simply because they don’t have a DUI conviction.
Housing Challenges
Your DUI could also affect your ability to secure housing, whether you are looking to rent an apartment or buy a house through a mortgage.
Rental companies often complete background checks as part of your housing application. A DUI conviction could indicate to a landlord that you are irresponsible, leading them to hesitate to lease property to you. Similarly, a criminal record could affect your eligibility for a mortgage.
Present a Strong Legal Defense With the Help of a DUI Conviction Lawyer in Florida
DUI convictions pose numerous long-term consequences aside from initial penalties and fines, some of which will follow you for the rest of your life. You must present a strong defense to improve your chances of avoiding these consequences.
Michael White, P.A., can help you build a solid case or reduce your sentence should you decide to plead “guilty.” Call (954) 270-0769 today to schedule a consultation with our DUI conviction lawyer in Florida.
