Teenage Drunk Driving Consequences

As anyone convicted of driving under the influence will tell you, you’ll want to avoid a conviction at all costs. Having a DUI on your criminal record is something that can haunt you for the rest of your life. At first, you’ll face state-imposed penalties, such as expensive fines, probation, community service, driver’s license suspension or revocation, alcohol education and treatment and even jail time. But as time goes on, you’ll realize just how much a teenage DUI can have a negative influence on you years down the road.

Collateral consequences have nothing to do with the state sentencing you to penalties. Rather, these are the punishments handed out by other entities such as employers, schools and licensed agencies. For example, did you know that having a DUI on your criminal record can prevent you from enrolling in certain schools? It can also stop you from landing a job.

The Internet has made it easier than ever for employers and hiring agencies to conduct criminal background checks during employee screenings. All a person needs to do is pay a small fee and enter in your information and your DUI conviction will show up. If you are applying for a commercial license or want to work with children, a DUI is like a red flag for an employer that says you may not be trustworthy.

If you are working towards a licensed profession, such as a lawyer, doctor or CPA, having a DUI on your criminal record can have an impact on you. This is also true if you are applying for a real estate agent’s license. Employers in these fields will often impose sanctions on their employees that result in immediate dismissals from the position.

A DUI can even impact your ability to obtain life insurance. Also, if you are later facing a custody battle, your DUI can come back to haunt you.

The most important thing to remember during this difficult time is that there are defenses for a teenage DUI. If you hire an experienced DUI defense attorney, you’ll significantly improve your changes of avoiding a conviction. It may be possible to have your DUI reduced to a less serious offense, such as reckless driving. Your case may even be dismissed.