Five Possible Repercussions for Driving While Under the Influence

Many people assume that the only risk they run when driving under the influence is possibly getting into an accident while they are on the road. While that is a distinct possibility, there are actually many other repercussions that someone could face if they are arrested for driving while under the influence. The following guide provides five repercussions I could have faced when I chose to get behind the wheel while I was intoxicated.

I Could Have Lost My License

Driving while intoxicated puts numerous people at risk at one time. This is a danger that judges do not typically take lightly. There are many people who end up having their license suspended for a specific amount of time when they are found guilty of driving while under the influence. There are times when people can fight to get a restricted license, but it only allows them to drive to specific places during specific times of the day. If someone is caught driving during times or to places they are not supposed to go to, they could be arrested and charged for that violation as well.

I Could Have Faced Jail Time

There are some judges who choose to try to teach people a lesson when it comes to their poor decision to drive while intoxicated by forcing them to serve time in jail. Some people are able to serve their sentence on the weekends and others are forced to serve the days consecutively. Either way, it is an experience that most people never want to have to go through.

I Could Have Been Forced to Get SR-22 Insurance

Once someone is caught driving under the influence, they are viewed as being a high-risk driver. The judge can require the driver to pay for SR-22 insurance for a specific amount of time after a DUI conviction. I found out that this type of insurance was important because if I lapsed or canceled the policy, the insurance company would report the change to the Department of Motor Vehicles right away and my license could have been suspended immediately.

I Could Have Been Forced to Serve Community Service

There are many judges who want to be sure that people understand the impact that driving under the influence can have on someone’s life. They often require offenders to serve community service at facilities where people who have been adversely affected by drivers who were driving under the influence are located. Being able to see firsthand how their poor decision affected an innocent person could stay with them for the rest of their life.

I Was Forced to Pay Large Fines and Penalties

When I was convicted of a DUI, there were fines and penalties that I had to pay. The amount that I had to pay was based on the judge's discretion. He took into account that I had never been in trouble before and I came into court with an apologetic attitude and only required me to pay for the court fees and the minimum mandatory amounts of fines and penalties. I was able to work out a payment plan so that I did not have to pay everything at one time.

When I was arrested for the DUI, the first thing I did was contact an attorney to fight for me in court. He was able to get me a restricted license so that I could drive to school, work and doctor’s appointments. I was able to handle all of my insurance information online for the SR-22 insurance and have the report issued to the Department of Motor Vehicles that I had gotten the required insurance so that I did not risk losing my license altogether.