The Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction

A DUI conviction is a life-altering event with many long-term consequences. Anyone who is picked up for driving under the influence should immediately stop what they are doing and contact an experienced Greenville DUI defense lawyer. William G. Yarborough understands the difficulties that lie ahead, and our firm will do everything possible to minimize the consequences of a DUI. The best outcome would be to get the charges dismissed or reduced so you have no DUI conviction on your record; however, such a result isn’t always possible. Reach out to our office to schedule your consultation. We can discuss the case against you and possible defenses to a DUI charge.

Immediate Consequences

Before jumping to long-term consequences, let’s not forget the many immediate problems a DUI conviction creates:

• Fines, assessments, and surcharges. Even a first-time DUI conviction will set you back a thousand dollars or more.
• Imprisonment. A DUI conviction can result in imprisonment for 2-30 days for a first offense.
• License suspension. South Carolina can suspend a license as soon as you are arrested—even before conviction!
• Drug and alcohol courses. The state requires the completion of these courses.

Repeat offenders will face enhanced penalties—higher fines, more time in jail, and a longer license suspension.

What Does a DUI Affect?

A DUI conviction can wreak financial havoc, leaving defendants in a precarious financial situation. Here are some of the consequences:

• Employment. It is harder to find a job with any type of criminal conviction, including a DUI. Even those already employed might lose their job if their boss finds out about the charges.
• Education. Colleges, universities, and technical schools all ask about criminal history on their applications. You might be denied admission, and you could be disqualified from scholarships or grants.
• Housing. A landlord might refuse to rent to someone with a criminal conviction, including a DUI. You could be seen as a risk, so they simply deny your application.
• Car insurance. A driver with a DUI is at a greater risk of getting into a crash. Unsurprisingly, those with a DUI conviction end up paying considerably more for coverage.
• Child custody. Are you in the middle of a divorce or paternity suit? A DUI could impact a child custody case. South Carolina judges are required to consider the best interests of a child in any custody dispute, and a DUI conviction could be a negative factor.

This is only a sampling of the problems that await anyone with a DUI conviction. Your best bet is to quickly reach out to a DUI defense lawyer in Greenville.

Will a DUI Affect Employment?

A DUI conviction can affect both those who are employed as well as those seeking employment.

Those With a Job

Most employees in South Carolina are “at will.” This means the employee can leave for any reason and without consequence. At the same time, an employer can also lay off a worker for almost any reason.

If you have a job, then your employer will probably find out about the DUI. Criminal charges are public information in South Carolina, and your conviction could be reported online or in the newspaper. Your boss might decide you are a risk or that your continued employment harms the company’s reputation.

Those Looking for Work

If you’re searching for a job, then a DUI conviction will certainly come up in the hiring process. Most employers seem to do background checks before extending a job offer. They might even ask about your criminal history on the application—and you can’t lie. When they find out you have a DUI conviction, the hiring process can come to a halt.

Anyone with a Professional License

A DUI could also lead to the loss of a professional license. Many state licensing boards require self-reporting of arrests or convictions, including DUIs. The board might suspend your license for even a single DUI. Multiple convictions could lead to the permanent revocation of your professional license.

Professionals like doctors, nurses, teachers, and lawyers need a proper license to practice lawfully in the state, so a DUI could compromise their careers.

The Emotional Effects of a DUI

We can’t pretend that a DUI only costs people money or the chance to rent an apartment. A DUI can do real injury to a defendant’s mental health, putting a strain on their relationships with close family members and friends.

The criminal process is public in South Carolina, and other people in the community will learn of your DUI. Even if getting behind the wheel was an isolated mistake, other people could assume you are an alcoholic or a drug addict and distance themselves from you.

Emotional turmoil is one of the consequences of a DUI. Fortunately, coping with social criticism or stigma is possible with a strong support system. By handling the legal side of your case, your lawyer frees you up to find the emotional support you need from faith members, mental health providers, and therapists.

Protect Your Future—Call William G. Yarborough

Although a DUI might be scary, there are tangible steps a defendant can take to avoid some of the worst consequences. It is critical to fight back.

Call an experienced DUI defense lawyer. William G. Yarborough can review the facts surrounding your arrest and pinpoint the best ways to respond, including:

• Request an administrative suspension hearing. If you refuse a breathalyzer or blow a high number, the state will suspend your license. However, you can request a hearing within 30 days, and we will argue at the hearing why you should keep your license.
• Find weaknesses in the state’s evidence. A DUI isn’t always open and shut, and test results are sometimes questionable. Let our office dig into the evidence to see whether it is airtight.
• Open discussions with the prosecution. Attorney Yarborough has negotiated hundreds of plea deals in his career, and he knows how to approach the state to open lines of communication.
• Defend a client at trial. Most DUIs can be resolved with a plea deal, but our firm is ready to defend you at trial when necessary.

Schedule a Consultation with a Greenville DUI Lawyer

Instead of hoping the prosecutor offers a generous deal, take control of your fate. Contact William G. Yarborough today to schedule an initial consultation.