In decades past, a DUI was a relatively minor offense unless a victim was seriously hurt. Cases rarely made the news back then, and penalties were mostly limited to fines or DUI classes. The situation today couldn’t be more different.
In the event you find yourself facing charges for a DUI (driving under the influence) and other traffic violations, it’s important to have a lawyer with legal experience handling similar cases. Chances are, your case will find its way to court, and you don’t want to try to take matters into your own hands. A DUI conviction currently carries severe consequences that are likely to affect you for years to come. If the issue proceeds to court, it is crucial to have a lawyer who will be by your side during and after the entire legal process.
How can a DUI affect you?
One of the most common questions we get as lawyers is how much of an effect a DUI conviction has on one’s life. A DUI on your record has a number of consequences that can significantly weigh in on your life. We know many of those are short-term consequences like serving a jail term, paying criminal fines, or driver’s license suspension. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.
DUI convictions carry even more ramifications in other aspects of your life that you probably didn’t see coming. It’s, therefore, important to know what ways a DUI conviction can affect you and how you can go on with your life. Some of the long-term repercussions of a DUI conviction include the following:
1. Getting your driver’s license revoked or suspended
Depending on the circumstances of your case, your driver’s license can be revoked by the DMV for a short while, but this may also last two years in serious cases. California is a big state and a lot of its inhabitants need to travel long distances just for essential grocery shopping. Now imagine having to go through this every day for the next two years.
2. Background checks
It has become increasingly evident that background checks are making it difficult for past offenders to get jobs. If prospective employers stumble upon your rap sheet during their background checks, they might have second thoughts about hiring you, even if it’s just a misdemeanor and not a felony. The same can also apply to people who are seeking housing and financial aid.
3. Increased insurance rates
After a DUI conviction, it’s not uncommon for your insurer to drastically increase your premium rates. This is because they now see you as high-risk, which can sky-rocket the premium rates to two or three times the standard value.
How can Saros Law APC help you?
The only people that know the law better than law enforcement officers are lawyers. Having a lawyer involved in your case from the minute police officers pull you over can mean the difference between a felony and a minor infraction.
We can help you through the legal process by collecting and explaining any evidence. And even if the issue goes to trial, we might still be able to refute some of the evidence presented, like Field Sobriety Tests.
An attorney is also invaluable when facing secondary charges, especially if the incident resulted in injury, death, or property damage. We tend to work with other professionals such as expert witnesses and private investigators for specific problems. Additionally, many DUI charges can lead to your license getting suspended. With help from our experienced defense attorney, we can fight for you to get your license back, thereby gaining back your much-needed personal freedom.
Finally, and most importantly, a DUI attorney can help you through the process of getting your record sealed or expunged. Make no mistake about it; a criminal record can remain with you for the rest of your life. This means that every potential employer, financial institution, and entity that runs a simple background check will see your criminal history. If you have a California conviction, we may be able to help you get the conviction sealed or expunged, depending on your case. The process is long and complicated. Only an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defesne lawyer can deliver optimal results.
With a DUI conviction on your record, you always risk the chance of tarnishing your reputation in the face of multiple opportunities. That’s where Saros Law APC comes in. With over 15 years working in criminal defense, Attorney Alison Saros has an excellent track record of helping her clients get back on track. If you’re looking to hire an attorney within California, Attorney Alsion Saros won’t stop until you get the best possible outcome from your case. Call us now at (310) 341-3466 to find out more about how we can help with DUI charges.
