When you are found to be driving under the influence, you might expect to pay a fine or spend some time in jail. However, you might not expect that you will also experience several other penalties. For this reason, it's important to consult with a DUI attorney to make sure that you aren't wrongly convicted of a DUI.

DUI Class Requirements

If you are convicted of a DUI, you may be forced to take DUI courses. These courses are expensive and can take a long time to complete. However, you'll have the option of taking night classes or taking longer classes on Saturday.

Owning a Vehicle

You may be required to install an ignition interlock device. This is a device that requires that you blow into it for your vehicle to start whenever the device beeps. These devices are also expensive and you are required to pay for them. 

Career Prospects

When you are applying for a job, a DUI will show up on a background check, regardless of whether it was a misdemeanor or a felony. There are many employers who are not willing to hire those who have a felony. Also, if you already have a job, some employers have provisions that allow them to fire you if you receive a criminal conviction.

Professional Licenses

Certain professions require that you not be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor. You might lose your license if you are a doctor or lawyer after a DUI conviction. However, there are some issuing agencies that will only revoke a license if you have multiple DUI convictions.

Insurance

Insurance providers will sometimes ask if you have been convicted of a DUI before insuring you. Having a previous DUI will lead a provider to believe that you are an increased risk, and you may be forced to pay higher premiums to maintain your insurance.

Social Consequences

A DUI can come with social consequences. Many look down on those who have had a DUI because driving while under the influence is very dangerous and can claim lives.

If you were not under the influence, you may be surprised that a sobriety test comes back positive. While blood tests are very accurate, they occasionally produce a false positive. This can happen if your blood is mixed up with someone else's or if the blood isn't properly handled. Therefore, if you believe that you were falsely accused of driving under the influence, reach out to law firms like that of Daniels Long & Pinsel to get help.

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