4 Overlooked Ways a DUI Can Affect Your Life
Pennsylvania DUI laws do not discriminate. Anyone who is over the legal limit in PA can be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and face severe penalties. That’s because drunk driving is a criminal offense in Pennsylvania. Moreover, it is easy for prosecutors to bring DUI charges because PA law allows a police officer to arrest a driver for drunk driving solely on the basis of the officer’s observations; no breath test or blood test is required.
The penalties for a DUI conviction potentially include heavy fines, driver’s license suspension, and jail time. In addition to facing criminal penalties for a DUI charge, you could also be subject to devastating collateral consequences. Here are a few overlooked ways a DUI conviction in Pennsylvania can affect your life
Criminal Record
In some states, drunk driving offenses are classified as traffic violations. However, Pennsylvania treats drunk driving convictions like criminal offenses. This means that a DUI conviction will leave you with a criminal record.
Higher Insurance Premiums
A DUI conviction could prompt your auto insurance carrier to raise your insurance rates. Worse yet, it’s possible that your insurance carrier could drop you from coverage altogether.
Diminished Job Prospects
Since DUIs are classified as crimes in PA, a DUI conviction on your record could make it tough for you to get a good job in the future. That’s because your criminal record may come up during the interview process.
Social Stigma
A person with a DUI conviction on their record may find it embarrassing to have to explain their mistake to friends, family members, and co-workers. The truth is that drunk driving carries a social stigma that can haunt a person for a very long time. For instance, imagine having to explain your need to ride the bus to work every day while your driver’s license is suspended.
You should not let a single mistake ruin the rest of your life. If you have been accused of drunk driving on a PA road, it is imperative that you speak with a knowledgeable DUI defense lawyer who understands the nuances of DUI laws and who knows how to help you avoid conviction. The experienced DUI defense attorneys at the Law Offices of James Crosby will help you fight your charges. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.