DUI Laws and Consequences

Sure, you know that you will go to court as a result ofyour car insurance as a result of your conviction. This
your DUI conviction. You know that you are going towill stay on your record for many years, depending on
face fees, fines, community service, and possibly jailthe laws in your state.
time. But what are the other consequences of beingNot only will you suffer when it comes to your car
convicted of a DUI? Are you ever truly going to beinsurance, but you may find that your DUI conviction
over this conviction, or will it haunt you for the rest ofhurts your chance for employment. Many lines of work
your life?require a background check, and your DUI conviction
One of the most immediate consequences you willwill show up on this check. Depending on the policies of
face after you DUI conviction and court case involvesa particular employer, this could be cause for the
your car insurance provider. While you will likely loseemployer to choose a different applicant over you.
your license for a period of time, when you are readyOf course, you also face the risk of living with a
to get it back you will need to have proof of at leastlifetime of guilt and regret if someone is hurt as a result
liability coverage before the courts will grant you theof your drunk driving. Remember, when you drive with
right to drive. Most of the major car insurancealcohol in your system, your reaction times decrease
providers will not offer car insurance to those whosignificantly. Even though you may not be driving
have been convicted of driving drunk.recklessly, you will not be able to respond in time to
So what can you do to get your license back? Youavoid an accident, and someone could be hurt as a
will have to search for a high-risk car insurance carrier.result of your driving drunk. Remember to set aside a
If your current provider will keep you, you will bedesignated driver the next time you are drinking, or call
charged as a high-risk driver. Either way, you will paya cab to take you home after the party if you need to.
more for your car insurance. In California, for example,The long-term consequences of drunk driving are
this increase can be as high as $7,000 a year. Yousimply not worth the risk.
can expect as high as a 400% increase in the cost of