“I won’t get stopped by the police.” ”I can have a few drinks and still be okay to drive home.” “I live close enough and can make it home without any problems.” Do these phrases sound familiar to you? You may have said them yourself. Or, you may have heard a colleague say them after while enjoying happy hour at your favorite spot. In similar circumstances, many of us have made the decision to drive home. If stopped by law enforcement on the way, you may be investigated for suspicion of DUI.
As enforcers of statewide strict drunk driving laws, Arizona police officers are on the lookout for those who they perceive to be driving while buzzed or intoxicated. Those caught can face stringent drinking and driving penalties – even if it’s your first offense. At Lerner and Rowe Law Group, our DUI lawyers in Scottsdale can represent you in court and give you the best outcome possible; however, you may still face long term consequences if you are found guilty of driving while impaired.
Long-term Consequences of a Phoenix & Scottsdale DUI
Make no mistake – if charged with a DUI it’s a serious criminal offense. An experienced Scottsdale DUIs attorney may be able to lessen the consequences of the charge; however, you could still face stiff financial penalties (fines and fees), temporary suspension of driving privileges, and up to six months in jail, with a minimum of 10 days served.
Additionally, the consequences of a DUI charge may not end there. You could also face:
Long-term Revocation of your Driver’s License.
Even a first conviction can mean license revocation for up to one year. That can make it difficult to get to work and do other tasks, like running errands. This is especially true if public transportation isn’t readily available. If you are a commercial driver, you may lose your commercial license altogether – which means you could lose your job, too.
Subsequent convictions for DUI could mean a two year license revocation or longer.
A Criminal Record that can Hurt a Job Hunt or Obtaining a Professional License.
Because most employers conduct background checks before they hire, a DUI conviction can hurt your chances of getting that job you want. Though an experienced DUI lawyer in Phoenix can sometimes lessen the impact in court, many employers are uneasy about hiring applicants who’ve had one. It may almost certainly disqualify you from jobs that require driving even if you don’t need a commercial license to do so, such as sales jobs. Also, a DUI conviction can create problems for persons who hold a level one fingerprint clearance card. Moreover, many state licensing boards will deny an applicant or place restrictions on an applicant convicted of DUI. You should consult with a Phoenix DUI attorney about these potential consequences if you are applying for a professional license.
A Criminal Record that can Hurt your Chances of Getting Financial Aid, or into College.
College financial aid applications and admissions processes also often use background checks to screen candidates. A DUI conviction can put you at a significant disadvantage over applicants who don’t have one. (Won a scholarship? It could be revoked if you have a DUI conviction.)
A Criminal Record that Can Keep You from Finding a Place to Live.
Landlords also conduct background checks to determine whether potential tenants are trustworthy. A DUI conviction can make you seem less so, such that that prized apartment will likely go to someone whose record is clean of criminal convictions.
A criminal record that can put your current job and professional relationships in jeopardy.
Even a DUI charge without conviction can wreak havoc on your current job status and the professional relationships you’ve cultivated. You could also lose your job if your community service, court dates, and jail time interfere with work, or if your company has a policy against hiring those with DUI convictions. A benefit to hiring a Phoenix DUI lawyer is he or she can work with the court to help minimize the impact or inconvenience of a DUI conviction.
Higher Auto Insurance Rates.
Once you have a DUI conviction, your auto insurance rates will go up significantly for at least several years.
Charged? Contact an Experienced Scottsdale DUIs Attorney Immediately
If you are facing DUI charges in Scottsdale, Glendale, Mesa or other areas surrounding Phoenix, don’t do it alone. At Lerner and Rowe Law Group our skilled Scottsdale DUIs attorney will provide professional representation with a primary goal to get you the best outcome possible. Contact us for a FREE consultation and ask about our affordable payment plans. We are available 24/7 to take your call at 602-667-7777 or to chat online.