What Are the Penalties for Driving Under the Influence?
Consequences of a DUI Charge: Why It Is Crucial To Hire a DUI Lawyer in Los Angeles
Introduction
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that could result in many repercussions. Arrest or a conviction for DUI could affect your life legally, socially, and professionally. This article discusses the penalties you may face if you are hit with a DUI charge and how the right Los Angeles DUI lawyer can provide assistance.
You Could Lose Your License
Losing your license is one of the legal consequences of a DUI charge. A DUI arrest or conviction could lead to a license suspension or revocation, even if it’s your first DUI offense. Multiple DUI convictions may cause permanent revocation of your license. However, a skilled DUI attorney may be able to help reduce your penalties and secure a temporary license that you could use to commute to your workplace or school.
You Could Spend Time In Jail
If you have been charged with DUI, you could face incarceration in the county jail, state prison or serve house arrest, or probation as part of your sentence. If the consequences of your offense are severe, you may end up incarcerated for several years. These consequences could affect your day-to-day life and make it more difficult for you to support yourself and your family. Nevertheless, hiring an experienced DUI lawyer could help with plea bargaining or having your case dismissed.
You Could Pay a Fine
Besides losing your license and spending time in jail or prison, a DUI conviction may come with significant financial ramifications. Fines could be several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the severity of your charges. You could also incur additional court costs, fees, and legal defense costs. This financial burden could set you back several thousand dollars and could have a considerable impact on your finances.
Professional Penalties for a DUI
A DUI charge could have professional implications. If you drive to work or rely on a train or bus to commute, losing your license could result in showing up late or not being able to report to work altogether. Consequently, this could lead to getting fired, which could affect you financially and professionally. Employers may terminate you for being charged with DUI as it portrays a bad image for an organization. Hiring an experienced DUI attorney could help by helping you get a favorable plea bargain or even having your case completely dismissed.
Social Penalties of a DUI
A DUI charge could affect your social life. If you are convicted of a DUI charge, it could lead to damage to your reputation and relationships. By drinking and driving, you put others’ lives at stake, not to mention the risk to yourself. Consequently, you may find that friends and family may not approve of your actions and restrict their interaction with you. Divorced individuals may face additional challenges, making it harder to spend time with their children.
It May Be Tougher to Get Into School
A DUI conviction could complicate your career ambitions as well. Being convicted of DUI could make it harder to get accepted into colleges, universities, or vocational training programs. The inability to drive could also limit your ability to attend school events or commute to school.
Conclusion
It is essential to get legal assistance from a credible DUI lawyer when facing DUI charges. By doing so, you have a legal professional by your side who understands the system and knows what it takes to reduce the penalties or even have the case dismissed. Todd Spodek, a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, could help you navigate the legal complexities of your DUI case, fight for your rights and record, and work towards the possible legal outcome.
Consequence | Penalties |
Losing your license | License suspension, revocation, or permanent revocation |
Spending time in jail | County jail or state prison, probation or house arrest |
You could pay a fine | Fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars |
Professional Penalties of a DUI | Losing your license may cause loss of job and affect professionalism |
Social Penalties of a DUI | Limited social interaction, damage to reputation and relationships |
It May Be Tougher to Get Into School | It may be harder to get accepted into a college or training program. |
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS