How a DUI Charge Will Affect Your Record
In the state of California, a DUI is considered a serious criminal offense that can be punishable with fines, suspension of a driver’s license, and even jail time. Apart from these severe penalties, a DUI conviction can also stay on your record indefinitely, affecting your life in more ways than you can imagine.
Let us look at three important ways a DUI criminal offense conviction in California can affect your life.
It Can Affect Your Career
A DUI conviction on your record can automatically disqualify you from applying to certain jobs. If you already have a job that involves any amount of driving, a DUI conviction can mean your employment is terminated.
If you are a professional, you might have to face disciplinary action for a DUI conviction. Furthermore, if you are a repeat offender or if you are convicted of a felony DUI, your license could be suspended or revoked, meaning you are no longer able to commute to work.
Even if you are not suspended or fired from your current position, being convicted of a DUI criminal offense can ruin your professional reputation and standing in the industry.
It Can Cause Your Auto Insurance Rates to Go Up
A DUI criminal offense can put you in the high-risk driver category, so your auto insurance rates will go up significantly. Data shows that a DUI conviction can result in a 144% increase in auto insurance premiums, making it harder for you to manage your other expenses – especially if you live paycheck to paycheck.
The worst part is that a DUI criminal offense can affect your auto insurance rates for up to 10 years. If you are convicted of another DUI – or any other traffic-related offense – during this period, your rates could go up further. It will be tough for you to transition back into the low-risk category.
It Can Lead to Civil Penalties
Suppose you accidentally injure someone or cause property damage while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In that case, the injured party might decide to file a tort claim against you and seek compensatory damages. Depending on the extent of injuries they suffered and/or damage to their property, you might have to pay a significant amount of compensation. This is another financial burden you should hope to avoid. A DUI conviction can make it easier for the injured party to establish your liability and recover your damages.
Facing DUI Criminal Offense Charges? Legal Help is Here from Our Skilled California DUI Defense Attorneys
A DUI conviction in California can have serious, long-term consequences. Therefore, it’s crucial for you to be represented by a DUI defense attorney you can trust and count on.
The legal team at Paladin Legal Defenders consists of highly qualified attorneys with over 60 years of combined experience handling a wide range of criminal cases – from DUI to murder. We can protect your constitutional rights, defend you aggressively against the charges you are facing, and fight tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.
To discuss your DUI criminal offense charges with an experienced California DUI defense attorney, call us today at 714-536-9988 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation.