If the police charge you with driving under the influence (DUI), you can either fight the charge of accept it by pleading guilty. Many people just accept such charges without even trying to mount a defense.
While that can seem like the easy option if you expect a court to convict you (perhaps because you realize you drank too much before driving), it’s crucial not to plead guilty to a charge without considering the full consequences of a DUI conviction.
First comes the court-ordered punishment
Court-ordered sentencing can include license suspensions, fines, ignition interlock devices, vehicle confiscation and jail time, depending on the specifics of your case.
Then, comes the collateral consequences
Additionally, the next time you go to insure your vehicle, you will find the price has risen steeply. It will stay high for years to come as a consequence of a DUI conviction. If you can’t drive (due to the court having taken away your license or vehicle), you might need to leave your job and find one you can get to without a car. If your job involves driving, you might also need to kiss that goodbye.
You’ll also have a criminal record
A criminal record could disqualify you from certain paid or voluntary posts. Potential employers and landlords may disregard your application if your record shows up in their background checks. Similar can occur when applying for educational opportunities.
As you can see, pleading guilty to a crime is not an easy option. While it could still be your best one, it’s best to get help to examine all your possible defenses first, as avoiding these consequences is ideal.