DUI charges can have a lasting impact on your life. From affecting employment eligibility to personal relationships, DUIs can shape people's futures in significant ways. While some of the personal ways DUI charges affect a person's life are more challenging to mitigate, it is possible to minimize the legal factors at play.

4 Ways a DUI Charge Can Affect Your Life

If you are facing DUI charges in Georgia, it's essential to seek legal representation from a skilled DUI defense lawyer. Working with an experienced attorney is the best way to minimize the effects DUI charges could have on your life. Here are four ways a DUI charge can affect your life: 

Employment Opportunities 

Many people who have DUI convictions face a harder path to finding employment. For one, a DUI conviction will eliminate any employment opportunities that require driving. However, even if a job does not require driving, it's likely a DUI conviction will affect your eligibility. Most job applications will require applicants to disclose their criminal history, which includes any DUI charges or convictions. Unfortunately, individuals with criminal histories will not be considered for many positions. 

In addition to affecting future employment opportunities, a conviction could also affect your standing at your current position. You may be required to notify a current employer of any criminal convictions, which could affect your employment. 

Car Insurance 

DUI convictions and charges can also affect your car insurance. Depending on the severity of your case, a DUI conviction could result in having your insurance revoked or canceled. In these scenarios, it can be challenging to find replacement coverage and the new policies you may be able to secure will likely have high premiums. If your insurance provider does not cancel your coverage, your DUI charges will—at a minimum—result in an increase in your rate. 

Your Personal Relationships

Criminal convictions and charges often take a toll on a person's personal relationships, and DUIs are no exception. DUI charges and convictions can negatively impact relationships with your partner, family, and close friends. Following a criminal conviction, it can take time and work to rebuild your relationships. 

Legal Consequences 

One of the most immediate effects of being charged or convicted of a DUI is the legal repercussions. While the legal consequences associated with a DUI will vary by state, most states adopt a “progressive” approach to enforcing DUI consequences. This means that the consequences of a first DUI are less than those associated with repeat offenses. Some of the legal consequences you may face if you are convicted of a DUI include:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Court-ordered substance abuse counseling 
• Court-ordered installation of an interlock ignition device on your vehicle
• Community service hours. 

These are just a couple of ways the legal repercussions of a DUI could affect your life. Working with a skilled DUI defense attorney is the best way to minimize the legal penalties you may face. If someone was injured as a result of your DUI, you may also be subject to a civil lawsuit that could come with civil consequences. 

Contact the DUI Defense Attorneys at Tony Blair

If you are facing DUI charges, the best thing you can do to help your case is to hire a criminal defense attorney. At Tony L. Blair, P.C, we are dedicated to making sure you understand the options you have and the choices you are making. Our team of highly skilled legal professionals has been representing Georgia residents for over 30 years and has the expertise needed to ensure a favorable outcome in your case. 

If you or a loved one has been charged with a crime in Georgia, contact our team or call us at (770) 788-2227 for help and guidance with your case. 

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