There are a few different ways that a DUI, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, charge can feel like it has ruined your life. These can include expensive fines, incarceration, alcohol education courses, ignition interlock device, a criminal background, and much more. Below are some ways that each of these can impact not only your life, but the lives of your family as well.
Monetary Effect
It can get really expensive to pay all of the fines and fees associated with a DUI. This may include alcohol education classes, installation and rental fee of an IID, reinstatement fee for your driving privileges, addition of an SR-22 to your auto insurance policy, court costs, lawyer fees, and much more. Paying penalties such as these can disrupt your family life and make living very difficult at best. All of this is in addition to your normal living expenses, which must still be paid in order to have housing, utilities, and some of the basic enjoyments in life.
Time Effect
One of the worst long-term side effects of a DUI conviction is the ones on your time. This can mean jail time, in a county jail or state prison, lengthy classes in the evenings or taking up the weekends, plus the time needed for working a job and taking care of business. Effects like this can really hamper your family life, leave little time for romantic relationships, and create friction in existing relationships with friends and extended family. If you are married with children, the time and expense can cost more than your family is able to pay, creating additional problems.
If you or a loved one has been charged with DUI, it is important to contact a skilled DUI attorney right away to protect your rights and avoid penalties such as these.
Posted on March 30, 2010 at 6:37 am
Categories: drunk driving, DUI Attorney, OUI Convictions & Penalties
Tags: conviction, DUI, DUI Attorney, DUI penalties, fines, ignition interlock device, incarceration
