More than 7.8 million people live on Long Island, and the vast majority of them rely heavily on their vehicles. While there are certainly mass transit options in place, the fact is that travelling in your own vehicle affords a number of benefits and advantages to you. But when a mistake is made, it can quickly take away your ability to travel in your own vehicle. A DWI charge is one such mistake, and one that can have a number of serious consequences.
In fact, many people don’t fully realize just how many consequences a DWI can have. It’s important to take a look at them so you can understand just how serious it is – and why getting a good criminal defense attorney is so important. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the consequences that can arise from a DWI.
- Fines – Heavy fines can be placed on you even on the first offense. Later, fines can reach much higher levels for subsequent offenses. These fines and financial penalties can cost a significant amount of money and put a strain on your budget.
- Jail – Jail time is usually rare for a first offense, but it is very possible. Sentences can reach several years depending upon the specifics of your case. In some cases, jail time can reach as much as seven years.
- Higher Insurance Rates – For years after your conviction, you’ll have much higher auto insurance rates than those without a conviction. Once again, this can make it harder to manage your budget.
- Loss of License – Losing your driver’s license is almost a guarantee if found guilty, at least for a certain period of time. You could manage to get a provisional license that allows you to drive to and from work, but even that depends upon the situation.
- Criminal History – Many people don’t realize that just having a DWI on your criminal history is enough to lead to issues. Employers may not hire you, for example, if they see a DWI in your past. This is one overlooked consequence that can have an impact on your life for far longer than the others on this list.
Each of these things can have a serious impact on your life in numerous ways. It’s important to contact a skilled DWI defense lawyer in order to get the best possible results from your defense efforts and to avoid as many potential consequences as you can.