Areas of Your Life a DUI Conviction Can Impact Significantly

Minnesota has an alarming number of DUI convictions, not to mention how many DUI accidents occur. 

It would seem many take things for granted, getting behind the wheel while under the influence and jeopardizing people’s safety.

Moreover, many of those who drive under the influence do not fully realize the magnitude of their actions.

Driving under the influence (DUI) has been one of the major reasons behind the increasing cases of road accidents in Minnesota.

Further, licenses and other documents are seized immediately when someone is accused of DUI in Minnesota. Again, the accused faces years in jail and a fine of up to $3000. 

However, a DUI conviction also has a more far-reaching impact on their lives. 

“Drunk driving charges come with grave consequences that can alter a person’s life, and not for the better,” says DUI lawyer Thomas Hagen of Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd.

Hi, in today’s blog, we will talk about the DUI conviction on your life in Minnesota. 

DUI Conviction Impact on Your Life: How It Can Change Your Financial Status and Career

A DUI conviction’s impact on your life is diverse and severe. It disturbs your legal standing, and honestly, overcoming or dealing with a DUI conviction case and fulfilling its financial demands can break you financially and emotionally. 

We have seen many families or homes breaking down due to a DUI conviction and its impact on the life of the convicted.

1. It Could Affect Your Current and Future Financial Status

DUIs in Minnesota typically come with serious financial consequences for everyone involved, including the plaintiff and defendant. 

DUIs carry expensive charges, which may raise auto insurance rates significantly now and in the future. 

Also, if a person is guilty of a DUI in Minnesota, they can lose their license and would have to pay reinstatement fees to get it back.

Their car could also be impounded, and they would need to pay the impound lot fee to get it back. 

In addition, the judge may instruct the defendant to install an ignition interlock device, which carries expensive charges. 

Furthermore, the defendant will be mandated to attend DUI classes, which can cost nothing little as $500 and run into thousands.

2. It Can Impact Your Career and Mean You May Never Be Able to Work Certain Jobs Again

It goes without saying that getting convicted of a DUI will affect your job and career significantly. 

To start with, you will lose time at work if you go to prison – and that is if you do not lose your job. 

Many employers do not want to work with individuals with a criminal record, even if they are innocent.

Moreover, your conviction will remain on your record, which you will always have to reveal every time you apply for a job. 

Even if you withhold this information, your potential employer may run a criminal history check for themselves. 

It might be difficult to advance your studies with a DUI conviction, as some colleges do not accept students with a record.

3. It Can Limit the Type of Credit You Can Access

Applying for a mortgage or some other type of credit will be difficult if you have a DUI conviction. 

Lenders typically research their applicants’ credit history, employment history, and financial history before accepting their applications. 

A DUI conviction can negatively impact your credit report in more ways than one.

This is due to the hefty fines a DUI convict must pay to prevent additional criminal charges per court regulations. 

These fines may put one in debt, making it difficult to pay rent and other bills on time. Essentially, the individual’s credit suffers damages and may be constantly rejected by lenders.

4. It Can Expose You to a Lawsuit That Can Have Serious Financial Implications for You

If someone suffered due to your DUI, including property and personal injury, that can lead to a civil lawsuit. 

Whether it is a civil lawsuit or criminal charge, it will be challenging to go through without losing yourself intellectually and emotionally. 

Also, how soon you are able to recover from this blow to your life will depend on the verdict in the lawsuit.

5. DUI Conviction Impact Can Restrict Your Mobility

With your driver’s license being revoked or suspended, it will be very difficult to move around freely. Suppose you go to work or social gatherings in your car. 

Now, it will be difficult for you to commute to your job and attend to personal commitments. 

Getting a Lawyer for a Minnesota DUI Case and Avoiding the DUI Conviction Impact

Nobody wants to face a guilty charge of a DUI because it can be quite stressful and overwhelming. 

Moreover, having handcuffs can trigger anxiety and fear, which can lead you to do or say what you should not. 

On the other hand, if you were the victim of the accident, you may suffer PTSD, among other emotional issues.

While having a DUI lawyer does not guarantee a win, it does tip the scales in your favor. 

Your attorney can help you handle the legal aspects of your DUI case while you continue with your daily life. They can even request the judge to put you on probation. 

The lawyer will help you to negotiate the charges. In other words, they will assist you in bypassing the jail convictions with alternative charges.

Again, they will highlight the mitigating factors to lessen the legal consequences of the DUI conviction case.

They will highlight if you are a first-time offender and how you have cooperated with the law officers. 

The lawyer will again highlight if you have enrolled in a drug or alcohol rehabilitation program. 

Moreover, with a Minnesota DUI attorney’s help, you can formulate a strategy to fight or drop the charges.

For example, your lawyer can question the evidence of the prosecution, including your breath and blood test reports. They can even challenge the method of conducting the case, especially when you have refused a breath analyzer test.

So, seek legal help to alleviate the DUI conviction’s impact on your life. Also, in the future, say NO to alcohol while driving!

Read More:

• Factors Influencing Criminal Sentencing and Penalties
• How House Arrest Is Shaping Criminal Justice Reform
• Best Law Firms in Missouri That You MUST Have on Your List!