Even though most people know it is illegal, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a common charge. Not only are there legal ramifications that come along with drunk driving, but there are also other physical ramifications that can be dangerous and even life-threatening. As a matter of fact, an estimated 800 people are injured because of drunk-driving related accidents each day. You may understand how dangerous it can be, but you may not realize how multiple a drunk driving charge can affect your future. If you have been charged multiple times with drunk driving, you should be concerned even more. This guide will help you understand habitual DUI charges and how these legal issues will affect you.
The 411 on Habitual DUI Charges
It is first important to note that if you have multiple DUI charges on your record, you are a habitual offender. Each state has their own guidelines that will determine if a person is a habitual offender, though.
For example, North Carolina, which is a state that takes DUI charges very seriously, will charge a person convicted 3 times of a DUI within a 7-year period with habitual driving while impaired. This can lead to a punishment of at least one year in prison.
Again, make sure to take your specific state's laws into consideration when determining how severe habitual DUI charges will be. It is also best to consult a lawyer that specializes in driving under the influence, reckless driving, and habitual offenses.
Consequences of Habitual DUI Charges
While the type of legal consequences that you will face will depend on your specific state, some consequences of habitual DUI offenses are more common than others.
Obviously, the more charges filed against you will mean you are spending more money. You may need to be bailed out of jail each time you are arrested, which will become costly for you and your family members.
Multiple DUI charges will also mean you have to pay court and attorney fees. In some cases, you may be ordered to attend alcohol or drug abuse counseling. This will also need to be paid out of your pocket. If you have habitual charges, you may have an actual addiction that requires medical treatment.
Staying in a long-term treatment facility to address and cope with your addiction is imperative for your health and wellness, but it is also necessary for showing the courts you are trying to improve your lifestyle to avoid future legal troubles. Again, long-term treatment will be costly.
There are many financial consequences you will face. However, habitual DUI charges will also affect relationships with your family, friends, employers, and business associates.
Time spent away from your friends, family, and workplace can end relationships. If you are a parent, the constant legal troubles and untreated addiction issues may prevent you from seeing your child, which can lead to long-term difficulties in your life.
If you lose your job because of your multiple charges or time spent in jail or in addiction facilities, you will lose the means to pay your bills, provide for yourself, and take care of your family.
If convicted of the DUI, you may lose your driver's license, preventing you from running errands, going to school, or commuting to work.
Finally, habitual DUI convictions can also prevent you from getting a job. You may not be able to maintain a job that requires you to drive or work around medications or alcohol if you were convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Help is available if you are facing multiple DUI charges. Schedule a consultation with a drunk driving attorney immediately to discover your options.
Share8 January 2019
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