Consequences of a DUI – What Happens to Your Driving Privileges?

If you are stopped and found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, you will likely receive a DUI charge. Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense and many states do not treat drivers who are caught kindly. A DUI conviction will lead to negative consequences on your life in many cases. Some places of employment have even considered firing employees for DUI. However, one of the biggest impacts it could have on your life is the suspension or revocation of your privileges to operate a vehicle.

Why would you lose your privileges?

In most states, if you are caught driving a car under the influence of alcohol, there may be a period of suspension for your driver’s license. When your license is suspended, you are no longer allowed to get behind a vehicle and drive. If you decide to ignore that stipulation, you are likely to face additional fines and potentially some time in jail as well. In some cases, after suspension, if you have not violated any other laws and are in good standing, you can get your license back. However, renewing a license that has been suspended may have other points to consider.

Repeat offenders may face even more serious consequences

If this is not the first time you’ve been hit with a DUI, the courts are unlikely to grant you much leniency. Driving while intoxicated is a serious enough offense that, if you didn’t learn your lesson the first time, the state might have no choice but to revoke your driver’s license entirely. If they make a revocation, then you are not allowed to drive or have a license for a specified period. In some extreme cases, you may be prohibited from holding or applying for a license indefinitely. Usually when you end up in this situation, you may need to appeal or throw yourself at the mercy of the court. You may be offered some consideration if you go to a drinking rehab program.

Drunk driving puts everyone in danger

The consequences of DUIs are severe because a drunk driver can cause untold damage and destruction. They can also cause people to lose their lives due to the negligence of the drunk driver. That is why most states have strict laws against drunk driving offenses. It is best never to get behind a vehicle, even if you have only had one drink. The risk of losing your life or killing innocent people is not worth the convenience of getting behind the vehicle and thinking it is okay. If, unfortunately, you make the drunk driving mistake and are hit by a DUI, it is best to contact a DUI attorney quickly to discuss what your best options are in the future. He or she can tell you what to do next to minimize penalties for your driving privileges.

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