Drunk Driving Consequences

Everyone makes mistakes--it’s human nature. But one of the worse mistakes a person can make is getting behind the wheel after they have been drinking alcohol. Not only is driving under the influence a serious criminal offense, it’s also very dangerous. You may seriously hurt or fatally injure yourself or someone else if you drink and drive.

Preventing DUI Through Legislation

The statistics for alcohol-related automobile accidents are shocking. Legislatures and groups like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) have pushed for tougher DUI laws and penalties in order to prevent as many people as possible from driving drunk.

Across the United States, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more. If you are under the legal drinking age of 21, it is illegal to drink and drive with any amount of alcohol in your system. In both scenarios, a person will face serious consequences if they are convicted of DUI.

Depending on where you live and the circumstances surrounding your case, you may face such penalties as expensive fines, driver’s license suspension or revocation, probation, community service, installation of an ignition interlock system, alcohol substance abuse treatment and even jail or prison time. The more DUI convictions you have on your criminal record, the worse your penalties will be.

A DUI Affects Your Present And Future

The long-term affects of having a DUI on your criminal record are just as bad. First, insurance companies will not want to offer you coverage because you are considered an at-risk driver. If they do keep your policy, your insurance rates may double or triple. Secondly, anyone who conducts a background check, such as a potential employer, landlord or a school, will see a DUI on your criminal record. This can have a negative impact on your future opportunities.