Driving under the influence of alcohol has both short and long term consequences. Driving under the influence is the most common criminal offense in the United States.
The short term consequences will affect your life. Most states issue a certain number of days in jail for a DUI offense. A typical sentence is one to three days in jail, some states have no jail sentence. In addition to the jail time, there are also large fees involved with a DUI. There can be costs for attorney fees, court fees, substance abuse classes, and insurance increases. Most offenders report an average of $4,400 in lost wages. Automobile insurance may increase as a result of a DUI. In the short term, a DUI will negatively influence your life.
In addition to the legal ramifications of a DUI, there are serious professional ramifications as well. When running a background check for employment a DUI will show up on your record. Employers can see these records. Current employers may find out about a DUI conviction and have some disciplinary measures. There is also the chance that your license will be revoked which will make commuting to a job troublesome. A DUI conviction may adversely affect your relationships with coworkers and employers. They may view you as unpredictable or irresponsible, even if that is not the case.
There are also personal ramifications of driving under the influence. Relationships with loved ones and friends may become strained. There may be a loss of trust between you and others after a DUI. This may cause stress and worry in your life. Family members and others that are close may become concerned about your behavior and ask questions about your personal life.
Driving under the influence of alcohol has many negative ramifications that last for months and even years. The smart decision is to not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking any alcohol. Instead, use a paid car service or have someone else drive the car. An arrest for driving under the influence will have devastating repercussions for several years afterward.
If you're looking for a knowledgeable DUI lawyer, contact Mango Law today. We are a criminal law firm in Ohio that is dedicated to providing legal assistance for a wide variety of cases.