How A DUI Charge Can Affect Your Life
There are many different names for it, but all the definitions mean getting charged for driving under the influence of a drug or alcohol.
You might have drunk all your problems and got pulled over while you were driving home. There is a good chance of getting out of it with a good lawyer because it is one of the most common offenses. But it can cause a lot of problems if you are convicted. Luckily, there is a way to get it off your criminal record.
Here are the consequences a DUI conviction could have on your life, and how to get a pardon.
Short Term Problems
What happens immediately after getting arrested for DUI depends on the state you are driving in. It is considered a misdemeanor, but in some cases you might be charged with a more severe crime. If the police find past DUI offenses in your record, you could be charged with a felony. Not only that, but also any damages to property and injuries to any passenger or bystander could lead to a conviction.
Depending on what the court decides, huge fines, license suspension, community service, and jail time are some of the things that could happen.
Long term Consequences
Professional Life
If you get convicted with a DUI, it can have devastating effects on your professional life. You might have court dates during work hours. Even worse, you can get community service or jail time. If your job involves driving around, a license suspension or revocation can get you fired. If you are trying to find a job, having a DUI conviction in your background will make that almost impossible.
Criminal Record
Having a criminal record of any kind can have devastating effects on every part of your life. People will start looking at you differently. It will make it harder to get into a good university. Landlords might not allow you to rent their space. People might treat you like an addict. It can also be difficult to get life insurance.
Auto Insurance
Many problems can arise with insurance after a DUI charge. Your insurer might raise the monthly premiums. They might not renew your policy after it expires. In Alabama, if you have committed a DUI violation, you will likely need SR22 insurance Alabama. If you didn’t currently have insurance, then it’s going to be very challenging to find one.
Getting A Pardon
Getting your records expunged depends on whether or not you were sentenced. If you were convicted, then it’s better to apply for a purge and file destruction. However, you will have to apply for a pardon if you were found guilty. Look up “pardons Canada” online to get more information on the process in Canada.
If you decide to get a pardon, make sure to clear out all the pending fines. Be careful not to commit any driving violations during the eligibility waiting periods, as they can be used against you in court. You will be able to clear your record once and for all, only if the judge decides that you meet the requirements and satisfy the good conduct clause.
