DUIs often have both long and short-term impacts, and yet most people only focus on the immediate consequences like time in jail.
While this is undoubtedly important, it is also wise to take a look at the long-lasting repercussions and the ways that a DUI can change someone’s future.
Troubles with housing
BACtrack discusses the impact of DUI convictions on a person in the long term. First, many people have trouble finding housing due to their criminal record.
In most states, it is illegal to discriminate based on criminal record alone. However, many housing markets are highly competitive. If a landlord has to choose between two tenants for one unit, they will likely go with the tenant without a criminal record even if credentials are, otherwise, largely the same.
Troubles with job hunting
This goes for job hunting, too. Many employers are wary of an employee with a criminal record, no matter what the charges are.
However, there are also many jobs that will not hire someone with a DUI on record for legal reasons. Such positions include government jobs, jobs that work with children in any capacity, and jobs that require a commercial driver’s license.
Even jobs that require operation of heavy machinery without a CDL may not hire someone with a DUI. It is simply too much of a risk for these employers to take on.
Because of these significant impacts in very major areas of life, it is important to consider these impacts when facing a DUI charge that may become a conviction.