Charges for driving under the influence, or DUI, are the most common criminal offenses in the United States. Even some of the most conscientious drivers with clean records have been arrested for DUI, and have found themselves in poor situations that are extremely difficult to bounce back from. Below, our Franklin criminal defense team outlines the negative impacts of DUI charges, and how we can help you protect your rights.
Long-Term Consequences of a DUI
There are several ways a DUI charge can negatively affect your personal and professional lives. In addition to fines and legal obligations, there are numerous consequences of DUIs that can undermine your future endeavors.
Revocation of your driver’s license. A DUI conviction can result in your driver’s license being revoked for a year or longer, depending on the circumstances. If it is an alcohol-related DUI then you will be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car for at least a year.
Your employment. Before offering a potential employee a position, employers typically perform a criminal background check. Felony and misdemeanor DUI convictions will show up during those background checks and could ruin your chances of gaining employment. Additionally, your current job can be affected by a DUI conviction. Your work schedule can easily be disrupted by court dates, jail time, and community service hours, putting your current position at risk.
Insurance rates. Your auto insurance rates following a DUI conviction will most likely skyrocket as you will now be classified as a “high-risk” driver by your insurance company. These increased rates will remain active for several years, and your insurance company may even decide to terminate your coverage entirely.
Personal and professional relationships. Even if you are not convicted for a DUI, and simply arrested, it can make a significant impact on the perception your colleagues and family members have of you. Even if you do your best to keep it under the radar, your DUI may be publicized by local media and ruin your reputation within your community. Family and friends may also become increasingly concerned with your personal life, with your behavior becoming increasingly scrutinized.
How We Can Help Defend Your Rights
Whether it is your first criminal offense, or you have been here before, we have the experience you need to protect your rights. With the threat of losing driving privileges, incarceration, and a damaged reputation, it is imperative to act quickly and discuss your situation with seasoned legal guidance. Here are some of the ways we can help you fight against a DUI conviction:
- Proving the officer did not have the grounds to stop you. Some officers do not follow the proper legal procedures when detaining an individual. If the officer did not have sufficient legal reasoning to stop you, the stop itself may be invalidated.
- Challenging the result of the field sobriety test and blood or breath test. If objective evidence can be provided to show you were not intoxicated at the time of your arrest, your case may be dismissed. This method is extremely difficult to prove for those operating without an attorney, making the enlistment of proper legal counsel paramount in your defense.
- Challenging the credibility of evidence or the arresting officer. If the officer took a video of you, and it appears you were not swerving, breaking any laws, or appearing intoxicated, your case may be dismissed.
No matter the circumstances, we are committed to finding creative and efficient strategies to maintain your freedom. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a DUI, don’t hesitate to contact our experienced team today at to schedule your free consultation.