Driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI) is sadly one of the most common crimes in the United States. While an arrest can result in your incarceration and in temporary inconveniences as you look to get around, a conviction for a DWI/DUI can have far-reaching effects on your life that may last a lifetime.
One of the more short-term impacts that an arrest may have on your life is that it will result in your North Carolina driver’s license being suspended or revoked. This can last from as little as six months up to a few years or a lifetime depending on whether you have any previous DWI/DUI convictions and the nature of your current charges. Your ability to run errands or to get to work or school in Statesville may be affected by your inability to drive.
A more long-term consequence of being convicted of driving under the influence (DWI/DUI) is that you’ll be classified as a “high-risk” driver and your auto insurance rates will increase double or triple what you were accustomed to paying before. Some insurers even terminate policies once a customer of theirs is convicted on drunk or drugged driving charges.
Another lasting impact that a DWIDUI conviction can have on your life is when you seek housing, scholarships or employment. No matter whether you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony offense, they’ll all appear on your background report. Convictions can result in you not getting financial aid, being allowed to rent a property or land a job. Any employment that requires you to drive a company car will also no longer be an option.
If you are facing DWIDUI charges, then it’s understandable that you’re concerned about the consequences of a potential conviction. It’s by looking at the facts leading up to your arrest that an attorney can advise you of how they may go about defending you against your charges.