Driving under the influence of alcohol is a mistake no one wants to make. However, it’s something that many people, such as college students, fall prey to at some point in their life.
Even though a DUI arrest is every bit as scary as it sounds, it’s not the end of your life. Yes, it has the potential to affect you in many ways, but the right defense strategy can help prevent a conviction. And when that happens, you can move on without any life-altering consequences.
Here’s why a conviction is a big deal:
- Loss of financial aid: Depending on the circumstances surrounding your conviction, it could result in a loss of financial aid, such as scholarships. Subsequently, you may find it difficult or even impossible to pay for your education.
- License suspension: This will hinder your life in many ways, such as making it difficult to get to and from your classes and/or place of employment.
- Insurance premium increase: No matter who’s paying for your car insurance, you or your parents, a premium increase is never a good thing. If this comes as the result of a DUI conviction, it can cost you hundreds of dollars every year.
- Large fine: If you’re facing a large fine as a result of your conviction, it can put your finances at risk. That’s especially true if you’re like most college students and don’t have a lot of money to go around.
- Impact on your professional future: For example, if you’re going to college to become a teacher, a DUI conviction could stop you from reaching your goal. You don’t want this on your record while in college or when trying to secure a job down the road.
It’s a common misconception that a DUI arrest always results in a conviction. That simply isn’t true. There are defense strategies you can use to protect your legal rights, with the hope of reducing the penalties against you or avoiding them altogether.
Deciding on the right strategy as soon as possible will help you protect your legal rights and your future, and that will give you some peace of mind.