DUI Conviction
The most prominent criminal offence is Driving under the influence in the United States. If you have been arrested for DUI, and have had an otherwise clean driving record, you are not alone. The fact is, there are thousands of safe, responsible drivers who are arrested for DUI each year. It is important to note, that once you have been arrested for the offence, it can be extremely difficult to get yourself back on track. According to Lexington DUI Lawyer Dan Carman, the consequences associated with a DUI conviction can be devastating, and can significantly change your life, oftentimes for years following the conviction.
A DUI Conviction Can Impact Your Ability to Get a Job
There are far too many people who are under the impression that a DUI conviction is a simple process that only requires them to attend a few classes, pay a fine and possibly spend several months doing weekend jail in their county. The fact that driving under the influence is a criminal offence cannot be overstated enough. A criminal conviction can greatly impede your current job and make it extremely difficult for you to be able to acquire a new one.
Once you are in the system for driving under the influence, every subsequent background check will reveal your DUI conviction. Depending on the job and the employer, a DUI conviction could make it very difficult for you to obtain employment. There are many employers who include moral clauses in their employment agreements. These types of clauses were once only thought of as things that were found in the employee agreements of professional athletes, actors and high-profile business leaders. Morality clauses have now become standard fare for hospital employees, teachers and other professionals, and they are enforceable.
A DUI Can Have an Impact on Where You Live
One of the most devastating impacts a DUI can have on a person is that it can be a determining factor on where you and your family can obtain housing. Although there are laws in place to prevent people from discriminating against people on the basis of race, creed and color, there is nothing that mandates that people who have been convicted of a criminal offence have the right to live anywhere they choose. It is close to impossible to find a landlord who does not conduct background checks on prospective tenants, and even more difficult to find one who will rent or lease a property to someone with a criminal conviction.
Your Mental Well-Being
If you are like most people, you probably never considered the impact that a DUI conviction could have on your mental health. You have to realize that you are not the only person impacted by a DUI conviction. Oftentimes people who have been accused of DUI find that their personal and professional relationships are strained. Most people in this situation experience feelings of anger, guilt, failure and desperation.
You could find yourself feeling isolated and very alone. The people around you may find it difficult to provide you with the type of emotional support you need following a DUI conviction. All of these things can cause you additional stress, in addition to making you feel panicked and anxious. It is important to note, if you are having any feelings of hopelessness, or you are having thoughts of injuring yourself, you should seek help without hesitation.
You Can’t Do This Alone
If you have been arrested for DUI, it is important for you to understand that you need to seek the services of a criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases. You need to give yourself every opportunity to avoid a DUI conviction. A DUI charge is very serious and can impact your life and the lives of those you care about the most. The sooner you find and secure an attorney the better it is for all parties involved. Attorney Dan Carman, here in our Lexington KY law firm is here to provide you with the support and the guidance you need. To learn more about how we can help you, give us a call at 859-353-0138 for a confidential review of your case.
