Dealing with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) case should be simple. You get caught, deal with the paperwork, plead not guilty, and get off from the case scot-free. Or you can plead guilty if you were really smashed that day or night, plea for a lighter sentence, and do some community service.
In reality, however, DUI cases are not that simple. And the repercussions of not dealing with your DUI case seriously can instantly ruin your future. Remember that a DUI is a criminal offense. The resulting punishment after a guilty verdict on your case will result in long-term problems.
First, your license can be revoked. When you are convicted, it will take you at least one to two years for you to reclaim it.
Reclaiming your license is also a lot of work. Most states do not give you the option of earning a shorter time frame for your revocation. You will not have the option to have your license reinstated until the full period of revocation has passed. Then, you will need to request a driver’s license restoration hearing. The next step is to collect all the necessary documents such as substance abuse evaluations and panel drug screenings results.
The processes may differ from state to state, but the bottom line is that you will need to go through this process and collect, learn about, and fill out all the necessary paperwork and requests yourself, because you tried to scrimp on getting a DUI lawyer and got convicted.
Aside from license revocation, your employment and promotion success rates will significantly decrease. Employers often perform background checks on applicants and employees that are up for promotion. Having a DUI on record often discourages employers from hiring or promoting people.
And it’s not just employers who perform background checks. Credit and banking institutions also do. A DUI conviction in your history can prevent you from receiving financial aid and certain bank transactions. If you are a student, you can expect that your chances of getting or maintaining a scholarship will go down the drain.
In addition to the difficulty of dealing with financial institutions and scholarship committees, you will also have a problem with your auto insurer. A DUI case significantly raises your automobile insurance rate. A car owner who drinks while driving is instantly considered a high-risk client by insurers. So, you can expect your premiums to go up when you have a DUI on your record.
The Importance of a DUI Attorney
The risk of ruining your future because of that one incident when a cop pulled you over and your breath smelled of alcohol will be reduced (or even made completely nonexistent in some cases) if you get an attorney who specializes in DUI cases.
Most DUI lawyers offer free consultation, so there’s nothing to lose by meeting with us. The right DUI attorney like Gary Rohlwing will help you understand your rights, defend your case, and ultimately improve your chances of a successful outcome.