What You Need to Know About a Drunk Driving Record

Sep 28, 2015 | DUI

When a court of law declares you guilty for driving under the influence, there are several consequences you might face based on where you live. Before you consider hiring a lawyer to represent you for a DUI charge, there are certain facts you need to be aware of. The following article seeks to give you a basic overview of DUI charges.

What Driving Under the Influence Entails?

DUI means driving while influenced by alcohol or an intoxicating substance. All the states in the U.S. consist of laws that consider it a criminal offense for persons driving to have an alcohol content level in their blood also called BAC that is above a certain threshold. Most states use a BAC limit of 0.08 percent. However, there are some states which have high BAC limits ranging from 0.16-0.20.

What Happens When You’re Stopped for Drunk Driving?

When you are stopped for drunk driving, you have to undergo a test to check your sobriety. This test involves a urine and breath test to check the alcohol level of your blood. In many states, you should agree to attest or have your license suspended or pay a fine for declining from being tested.

What Happens When You Are Arrested For A DUI?

In some cases, your license will be suspended temporarily and your car impounded for a certain period of time. In other cases, the court may require you to participate in drunk driver training programs, put you on probation and impose statutory fees to cover the state’s expenses for DUI cases. Some judges may ask you to be part of a drug and alcohol treatment program or install an ignition interlock gadget in your car.

Consequences of A DUI on your Record

  • Maintaining your job: If you are employed as a driver, a tarnished driving record will make it hard for your employer to give you back your job.
  • Getting a job: Even first time DUI charges can affect your ability to secure certain jobs. Employers conduct background checks before they hire an employee and a DUI is considered a criminal act.
  • Education: A DUI charge can make it hard to enroll in college. Many professions involve certification or state licensing and you could be easily disqualified because you have a DUI.
  • Auto Insurance: When you are charged with a DUI, your current insurance provider could reject your policy or ask you for additional fees. Many insurance companies ask clients charged with DUI offenses to pay up to three times their initial coverage.

If you’ve been arrested for a DUI, you need to seek legal counsel from an experience attorney. Contact Robert Robles today at 405-232-7980.