Everyone makes mistakes. But when it comes to driving under the influence, one mistake can take years to correct. Here are five ways a DUI can affect you and your family, as referenced from Integrated Family Community Services:
Shock and embarrassment
Receiving word that a loved one has been arrested for drinking under the influence comes as a shock to everyone. Seeing details of the incident on local news outlets and social media only makes things worse. Additionally, as mentioned in the IFCS article, “with one charge comes a stigma that can last a lifetime.”
Loss of trust
When you choose to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking, you’re putting the lives of yourself and others at serious risk. Following such an incident, don’t be surprised if even your closest friends and family members no longer trust you the way they once did. This loss of trust can lead to broken relationships in a hurry.
Financial burdens
Do a quick online search and you’ll see that the national average cost of DUI is around $10,000. While this can certainly be lower for first-time offenses, the reality is that a DUI often forces people to drain their savings accounts, accrue additional debt, and fall behind on their monthly expenses. You should expect to spend a pretty penny on a DUI defense lawyer, higher insurance premiums, and other fees.
The need for treatment
Even today, society tends to brush off the need for substance abuse treatment. Sure, maybe you had one too many drinks at an event and chose to still drive home instead of getting a ride from someone else. On the other hand, perhaps your DUI charge is indicative of a more serious problem, such as alcoholism.
Loss of a driver’s license and/or job
Driving under the influence could leave you without a license for an extended period of time. If you don’t have the convenience of alternative transportation near your home and office, your only feasible way of keeping a job is catching a ride with a loved one or coworker. Trust us, people will grow tired of this quickly.
RECEIVE THE DUI HELP YOU NEED
Here at the law office of Cavett, Abbott & Weiss, our counsel never condones drinking and driving. We’ve worked with clients over the years whose lives have been turned completely upside down because of a DUI. Should you ever find yourself in such a predicament, your first step should be contacting a reliable DUI defense attorney.
This is where Cavett, Abbott & Weiss comes into play. With decades of experience handling DUI cases, we are often able to mitigate legal ramifications and get clients back on track. Our DUI lawyers will look at factors such as whether you were read rights, if the officer had you complete the roadside maneuvers, and if you were still arrested despite passing the maneuvers.
Don’t make the mistake of standing pat following a DUI arrest. Take a proactive approach instead and contact the law firm of Cavett, Abbott & Weiss today for DUI help.