Among the most common reasons for traffic arrests in the United States is drinking and driving. In Pennsylvania, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or more. The police are also allowed to host sobriety checkpoints and to require you to use an ignition interlock device if you are convicted.
As a family man, you may not have expected to find yourself on the wrong side of the law after a rare night out with friends, but if you’re accused of a DUI, you must take it seriously. A DUI could significantly impact your family.
The financial impact of a DUI
One of the major issues is the financial impact of a DUI. There are several kinds of fees, such as court, legal and probation costs, and there are other financial implications as well. A single DUI can have costs ranging anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000 on a first offense, and they may be even higher if you have a conviction in your record already.
Additionally, some jobs will not retain employees who have a DUI on their record. Some professional licenses may be revoked or suspended.
A DUI may also lead to an increase in your insurance premiums, expenses from mandated alcohol treatment and a significant impact on your family’s budget.
Losing your license
Another way your family could be impacted is by the loss of your license. When you lose your license, you may no longer be able to get to work or pick up your children from school. You may not have an easy time making a grocery run or being able to take your children to afterschool activities.
Emotionally, DUIs are draining
Emotionally, DUIs are draining as well. Your spouse may be upset, your children may not understand why you can’t do the things you used to do together or why your budget is suddenly tight. Problems in the relationship may come forward as a result of this trigger as well.
Facing a DUI is difficult, but those who are should look into getting good representation. That way, the impact on their own lives and the lives of those in their family can be minimized.
