7 Ways a DUI Charge Can Affect Your Life

Drunk driving charges can affect your life in a number of ways. These include finding it hard to get a job, paying a high premium for your car insurance, and losing your license.  Read ahead to find out what the rest are.

1. Job Employment

Employers do background checks for every candidate that applies for a job. Drunk driving is a major offense. Employers would not want to hire you when they see the DUI on your records.

You will be affected if you are going to start a business too. Many high-profile clients research companies before they hire them. They might not want to work with you once they see the drunk driving charge.

2. Car Insurance Rates

Once your car insurer finds out about the DUI, they will see you as a risk. They will increase your premium. On average, it would rise by 80%.

3. Civil Lawsuits

You might have gotten into an accident and hurt someone while under the influence.  If they filed a civil case against you, you will have to spend a lot to settle and an equally large amount on legal fees.

If the person was badly injured, or even killed, you will face criminal charges. Unless you hire a good DUI lawyer, you will face severe penalties.

4. Personal Relationships

Being charged with drunk driving can ruin personal relationships for more than one reason. You might have to go to court often. You will need to revolve your life around this.

Also, finding a partner might be hard. They could check your name online and find details on your case.

5. No License

Your license would be suspended for up to a year. Getting to work, and going anywhere in general would be hard. You would also need to use a breathalyzer once you are able to drive again.

6. Mental Health

The whole ordeal could be traumatizing. You might have post-traumatic stress If you got into an accident.

Considering the many ways the charge can ruin your life, it’s not a surprise that your mental health might deteriorate. Refer to what I said about finding it hard to get a job, and your personal relationships being affected.

7. Potential Jail Time

If you are a first-time offender, you won’t go to jail unless you badly injured someone. However, you could face jail time if you are dealing with a second or third DUI. Being locked up for decades is a real possibility.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a DUI charge can affect your life in many ways. The most significant way would be difficulty finding a job. Most employers check job applicant’s records. They won’t want to hire you once they see that you were arrested for drunk driving. Also, you would be hit with higher car insurance rates once you get a DUI. On average, the premium you will be paying will rise by 80%. But overall, the rate will depend on where you live.