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If you drive drunk and think it’s no big deal, think again. A DWI charge can be a life-altering event, and all too often, it can lead to lost jobs, broken relationships and mountains of debt. If you’ve had a little bit to drink and are considering getting behind the wheel, consider the following consequences:
Losing Your Driver’s License – Almost every single state requires a person convicted of a DWI to surrender their driver’s license for a period of time. While the length of suspension is different from state to state and is based upon a number of factors, if you are convicted of a DWI, one thing is certain: you won’t be driving for quite some time. In fact, some states require you to surrender your license upon being arrested for a DWI, meaning even if you aren’t convicted in court, you’ll still spend a period of time without your license.
Lost Wages – Depending on your job, you may not be able to get to work without being able to drive. Furthermore, some employers will fire an employee that has been convicted of a crime, as they may feel that the employee reflects poorly on the organization. If you are able to keep your job, you may still need to pay someone to drive you back and forth to work.
Heavy Fines and Legal Fees – In addition to the possibility of lost wages or the expense of paying someone to drive you around, a DWI conviction will usually mean heavy fines and penalties. As if you weren’t already having enough trouble making ends meet, these fines can range into the thousands of dollars in some states. If you choose to hire a lawyer to defend you, you could be looking at additional thousands of dollars, even if you lose your case. Finally, in addition to any fines levied against you, you may also have to pay court costs, which can easily be hundreds of dollars.
Broken Relationships – A DWI can also wreak havoc on relationships. After losing your ability to drive, you may need a friend, loved one or family member to drive you around for an extended period of time. This can lead to strained relationships, as well as arguments and fighting. The people around you may also view you in a different light after a DWI conviction, as they may tend to think of you as someone that can’t be trusted, or as someone that makes poor decisions.
