People are going to drink alcohol. It is one of the most accessible and legal ways to relax after a long work week. If an officer pulls you over and charges you with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), a conviction may ruin your life in more ways than one.
You may have difficulty finding employment
Companies will run a background check before hiring you. If they ask you to present your driving record, the DUI might make it impossible to land the job, especially if it involves driving. Albeit you can have your driving record expunged after a few years if you do not commit other offenses, the DUI will still appear on your criminal record.
Insurance premiums will be higher
Auto insurance companies charge people with DUIs on their record much higher premiums. They will consider you a high-risk driver even for just the first offense.
It will go on your permanent record
Just like in other states, a DUI is a criminal offense in Florida; therefore, it will be on your criminal record almost permanently. Your lessor, in-laws, employer or any interested person has access to these records. It stays on your criminal record for up to 75 years. However, if a police officer arrested you for driving under the influence, it does not go on your criminal record until a conviction.
The first offense can be a gateway
It may seem like the first offense is not such a big deal, but one misdemeanor DUI conviction could become a felony if you repeat the offense. That is why fighting the first offense in any way you can is so important.
A DUI can make it challenging to find housing or even a job. It could change the way people see you, even if they never had the chance to get to know you. Do not let a DUI ruin your life.
