What are DUI Consequences?

Don’t underestimate DUI charges. If convicted, you could spend the rest of your life fighting for your freedom, driver’s license reinstatement, jobs, housing, and education.

We understand that people make mistakes, which is why our DUI attorney carefully examines the details of your case to build a strong criminal defense. Continue reading to learn why you need a criminal defense attorney to avoid serious DUI consequences.

Consequences Of DUI

Permanent Criminal Record

DUI consequences include having a permanent criminal record. Any company that conducts a background check will be able to see your mugshot and fingerprints on file from the DUI. For this reason, a DUI conviction can make it difficult to get insurance, bank loans, or even housing. If you didn’t lose car insurance coverage after a DUI, your rates will be much higher.

Time Behind Bars

If this is a first offense DUI, you may face up to 90 days in jail. However, if you have gotten three or more DUI charges within a 10-year period, you may spend as much as 5 years in jail. Level 3 drunk driving charges are considered felonies and carry heavier sentences than you would give a first-time offender. A criminal defense attorney will be able to help you get the best deal so you can avoid extensive jail time.

Suspended Driver’s License

Depending on how many other DUIs you have on record, your driver’s license can be suspended for 6 months or even indefinitely. To get your driver’s license back, you’ll need to hire an experienced DUI lawyer so you can gather the evidence needed to prove your sobriety.You may be required to take a DUI class or counseling before you are able to have your driver’s license reinstated.

We understand that you depend on your car to drive to work, run errands, or pick up the kids from school. However, a DUI conviction means you are unable to drive. For help with driver’s license reinstatement after a DUI, we recommend hiring a criminal defense lawyer.

Difficulty Finding (and Keeping) Jobs

Depending on your occupation, a DUI often leads to trouble in the workplace. People who have committed a DUI offense often have to miss work for their court dates. Drunk driving can even cause you to lose your job. Certain employment contracts allow your employer to fire you for being convicted of a crime.

If you are searching for a job, a DUI conviction rules out many career opportunities that may have been available to you before, such as being a bus driver. During your job hunt, you may be required to explain your DUI on job applications or during interviews. If the employer runs a background check, your DUI conviction could convince them not to hire you.

Attorney Jerry Lykins of Lykins Law is dedicated to helping you avoid some of the more serious DUI consequences so you can move on with your life. To request a consultation with our Grand Rapids DUI attorney, call or text (616) 540-0443.