Motorists may end up arrested over accusations of drunk driving. Those accused of a driving under the influence (DUI) offense may worry about defending themselves against their pending charges. People often fear the attention that could come from fighting their charges. They might consider pleading guilty because it seems like the most expedient and private solution.
However, pleading guilty can lead to the same basic consequences as a conviction after a trial. The driver accused of a DUI offense may find that their guilty plea could affect their life for years to come. Although people may expect lenient treatment, especially if no one got hurt, a DUI can have a major negative impact on a motorist’s future.
Criminal consequences
There are many penalties that the courts can hand down after a DUI conviction or guilty plea. The exact penalties depend on the circumstances, but people may face incarceration and fines or probation. They may also lose their driving privileges for 12 months or longer.
Those penalties alone can be incredibly disruptive and expensive for the accused motorist. A guilty plea does not necessarily prevent a judge from imposing the harshest penalties possible given the circumstances leading to the driver’s arrest and their prior record.
A long-term criminal record
Some people lose their jobs when they plead guilty to a DUI offense. Employers may include zero-tolerance policies for criminal convictions and their employment contracts in some cases. Other times, the driver’s job may include operating a motor vehicle. The loss of their license prevents them from fulfilling job responsibilities and may therefore justify their termination.
Not having a license for 12 months can also lead to disciplinary action and termination. Workers who rely on public transportation or other people to get to and from work may be late repeatedly. They could lose their jobs as a result.
Even if they avoid termination, a driver’s DUI conviction could have a chilling effect on their career. Every time they apply for a new job or undergo a background check for a promotion, their offense may show up on their record. Criminal convictions can also make it more difficult to pursue higher education and financial aid for college classes.
People who fight pending DUI charges successfully can limit the long-term consequences that a conviction might generate. There are many defense strategies that can work depending on the situation.