Long Term Effects of a DUI

Good decisions are rarely made once you’ve had a few drinks with friends. Many times, the worst thing you can say happened is a bad text to an old friend, but for some, the effect of alcohol can lead to a deadly choice to drive under the influence. Even without the chance of a fatal incident, drunk driving can cause damage to property, others, and to you – for a long time after you’ve paid your fines and worked your hours of community service.

Long term effects of a DUI or other drunk driving charge can vary, depending on the state you live in and the circumstances surrounding your conviction. You might have to use a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock device for several months to several years. While somewhat frustrating and potentially embarrassing, a car breathalyzer might be the least of your problems.

You could lose your job, or have trouble finding another job. If your current job requires you to drive “on the clock” or, you cannot otherwise find a way to and from work, your job could be in jeopardy. If you are applying for a new position, many companies run criminal background checks to screen out people who could potentially harm the business. This, unfortunately, might include a person with one or more DUI convictions.

In the same light, you may be denied as a tenant in a new place to live, not allowed to enlist in the military or attend the college or university you’ve been eyeing. Background checks always have your criminal history, and even the most “innocent” DUI is still considered a crime in most states.

If you have a felony DUI conviction, you could lose a lot more than your job. Felonies could exclude you from voting, obtaining a passport or owning a firearm, and since most states don’t impose felonies on one DUI conviction, you’re also showing a repetitive pattern of irresponsible choices when it comes to drinking and driving.

There are many different sides to a DUI conviction, and none are anything except a reason to call a taxi for a ride home from a bar or get a friend to bring you home. A car breathalyzer or ignition interlock may be the least of your problems. Your car, your life and the life of others on the road aren’t worth the risk, and by taking that risk, you could be messing up your life for many years to come.