When you hear about DUI charges, your mind might jump to the immediate repercussions like hefty fines or even jail time. However, the effects of a DUI conviction stretch further than the obvious penalties. In San Diego, the indirect consequences can slam the brakes on your future in ways you might not expect.
Impacts that hit hard
Getting a DUI can make your life difficult in ways that have nothing to do with jail time or paying a fine. Consider these often-overlooked consequences of a trial conviction or guilty plea:
- Revoked or suspended driver’s license: A guilty plea or verdict on a standard DUI charge means the California Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license for six to 10 months for a first offense. If you commute to work or school, losing your driving privileges for that long can have serious implications.
- Losing your job or having limited job options: If you lose your job because it was driving-based or you have no way of getting to your workplace, these same issues can affect your future job prospects.
- Significant increase in your auto insurance premiums: Insurance companies jack up their rates for customers with a DUI on their record.
- A conviction on your record: Having a criminal record can make it harder to get a job, be admitted into college, secure a bank loan or find decent rental housing.
These indirect penalties can be much more than a temporary inconvenience. They can take away your independence and financial stability. You could find yourself scrambling to rearrange your life around a new, harsh reality where simple tasks become complex puzzles.
The prosecuting attorney might be pushing for a quick plea deal, glossing over these life-altering consequences. They’re not in your corner. You need someone who is.
Honest advice about how to proceed
Facing the justice system can be like stepping into a ring where the odds are stacked against you. But you don’t have to stand alone. A seasoned criminal defense attorney knows the ins and outs of the law and understands the gravity of what’s at stake. They fight with your best interests at heart, helping you understand every possible outcome and working tirelessly to mitigate the damages a DUI conviction can bring, such as by working to get your driving privileges back sooner.