There are countless reasons why you should never drive while intoxicated, but we have narrowed it down to six of the most important ones. If you are caught driving while impaired, you could face serious legal penalties, including jail time and fines. Not only that, but you could also be seriously injured or killed in an accident. Here are six reasons why you should never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol.
1) You May Lose Your Job and Professional License
If you are caught driving while intoxicated, you could face legal penalties that could cost you your job. If you have a professional license, such as a medical or law license, you could also lose that. In some states, you may be able to get your job back after completing an alcohol treatment program and proving that you have not been drinking, but in others, you may be out of luck. If you happen to be in this type of a situation, a DWI Lawyer in Fort Worth may be useful. Lawyers that specialize in this type of law can help you to understand the laws in your state and what your options are. Losing your job is not the only financial consequence of driving while intoxicated. You will also likely have to pay significant fines and court fees if you are convicted. In some states, the penalties for a DUI can include up to $5000 in fines and a year in jail. If you are involved in an accident while driving drunk, you could be sued for damages.
2) You Could Be Injured or Killed
Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do. According to MADD, drunk drivers are responsible for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. When you drive drunk, your reflexes are slowed, and your judgment is impaired. This makes it more difficult to avoid accidents, and if you are in a car accident, you are more likely to be seriously injured or killed. Drinking alcohol also increases your risk of being involved in a hit and run accident. If you are caught, you could face felony charges.
3) You Could Go to Jail
If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, you could face jail time. The amount of time you would spend in jail depends on the laws in your state and the facts of your case. In some states, a first offense DUI is a misdemeanor, and you could spend up to six months in jail. If you have a prior DUI conviction or if you were involved in an accident, you could be facing felony charges and up to five years in prison.
4) You Will Have a Criminal Record
A DUI conviction will go on your criminal record. This can make it difficult to get a job, rent an apartment, or get approval for a loan. In some states, you may be able to have your DUI expunged from your record if you meet certain requirements, but in others, it will stay on your record forever. For example, in Texas, you can have your DUI expunged if you meet the following requirements:
– You have completed your probationary period
– You have not been convicted of any other offences
– You have not had your driver’s license suspended or revoked during your probationary period
– You have not been convicted of a DWI within the past ten years
If you meet these requirements, you can file a petition with the court to have your DUI expunged.
5) Your Car Insurance Rates Will Increase
If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, your car insurance rates will increase. In some states, your insurance company may even drop you from coverage. This means that you will have to find another insurance company that is willing to insure you, and your rates will be higher than they were before. For instance, a dui on your record could raise your rates by $1000 per year. Also, if you are involved in an accident while driving drunk, your insurance company may refuse to pay for the damages. This means that you could be sued for the damages. If this happens, you will have to pay for the damages out of your own pocket. So, not only will your rates go up, but you could also be left with a large bill.
6) You Could Lose Your Driver’s License
In most states, if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, you will lose your driver’s license. In some states, you may be able to get your license back after completing an alcohol treatment program and proving that you have not been drinking. However, in others, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your car, which requires you to blow into a breathalyzer before your car will start. For instance, if your blood alcohol content is above .02, the device will prevent your car from starting.
Losing your driver’s license can have a significant impact on your life. If you rely on your car to get to work, you may have to find another way to get there. You may also have to find someone to drive you around if you do not have a car. In some states, you may be able to get a hardship license, which allows you to drive to work, school, and other places.
Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense with serious consequences. If you are caught driving drunk, you could face legal penalties, including jail time, fines, and the loss of your driver’s license. You could also be sued for damages if you are involved in an accident. In addition, your car insurance rates will increase, and you will have a criminal record. These consequences can have a lasting impact on your life, so it is important to think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking. If you have been drinking, call a cab or Uber, or ask a friend for a ride. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
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