Over 20,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence in Virginia in 2019. When looking at statistics, it is easier to forget that this number represents individual people. Each one of these people faced a dark moment in their life. Unfortunately, that DUI arrest from several years ago can still have an impact on their lives today. So, how does a DUI affect me, you ask? Find out how a DUI can affect multiple areas of your life, even outside of the law.
Automotive Insurance Costs
A common consequence of a DUI charge and conviction is your auto insurance getting canceled. If your insurance company does not cancel your policy, there will be a noticeable increase in rates. For canceled policies, it will be challenging to find a replacement policy. Insurance companies want to reduce risk, and having a DUI on your driving record makes you a high-risk driver.
Educational Programs
Some educational programs and schools require student participants to adhere to a code of conduct. This standard of behavior may prohibit getting a criminal conviction, which would include a DUI. As a student, you are a representative of the problem or school. So driving while intoxicated is the image they want. A DUI in your history could result in your application getting rejected or ejected from your current educational program.
Career Opportunities
In the immediate future, a DUI arrest could result in your missing work. This could lead to you receiving disciplinary action or termination at work. Looking further out, a DUI could require you to miss work for attorney meetings, court dates, time served, and required rehabilitative treatments. In addition, the stress from dealing with a DUI can lead to reduced performance at work.
Driving Positions
If you have a position that requires you to drive, a DUI will most likely result in you losing your position. Companies typically want people with clean driving records. This reduces their liability and insurance costs. If you get a DUI, you are no longer considered a safe driver and most likely no longer eligible to hold your position.
Professional Licenses
If you have a professional license, a DUI can significantly impact your career. In some instances, your professional license can get suspended or revoked. This renders you unable to work in your chosen career.
Looking further into the future, a DUI conviction can make it harder to secure a new position. You would need to declare your criminal history. Some companies do not want to hire anyone with criminal arrests or convictions.
Future Loan Applications
Lenders want to minimize risk when approving borrowers. To reduce the risk of not receiving repayment, lenders reject unresponsible applicants with a history of questionable behavior. A lender may view a DUI conviction as risky behavior that could result in your inability to repay a loan. For example, you could lose your job or be in debt paying fines or fees. Because of this, you may find it more difficult to obtain a mortgage or student loan.
Child Custody Rights
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your DUI conviction, it could impact your child custody situation. Driving under the influence could be evidence of poor decision-making, reckless behavior, and lack of ability to care for your child’s best interest.
Travel Plans
A surprising consequence of getting a DUI is the restricted ability to travel. Some countries may deny you a visa or entry because of the DUI. Others may red-flag you at immigration for further inspection or questioning. As a result, you may find yourself barred or struggling to gain entry approval in these countries.
Personal Relationships
Getting charged with a DUI has further-reaching impacts than just on your life. It isn’t just you dealing with the potential fallout of a DUI. Your spouse, children, family members, and friends canal experience additional strain. For example, if you lose your job, this income no longer supports your household. If you lose your license, you can no longer drive your children around. This puts the responsibility on those around you.
Constitutional Rights
If your DUI conviction is a felony, it will have consequences on your constitutional rights. US citizens with felony convictions have their voting and firearm rights restricted. Once you lose these rights, getting them back is a long and difficult process.
