How Can a DUI Arrest Affect My Reputation?

 Posted on February 19, 2020 in DUI

Drinking and driving is against the law, and an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI) can have a wide variety of negative consequences. In fact, even a first-time DUI can have far-reaching effects that may follow you for the rest of your life. If you are facing DUI charges, you will want to work with an experienced attorney to determine your best options for defense. 

Effects of a DUI Charge

Following a DUI arrest, you may not fully understand your rights, and you may be unsure about what will happen during your case. A DUI charge can affect your life and your reputation in a variety of ways, including:

• Driver’s license suspension: Upon a DUI arrest, your license will typically be confiscated by law enforcement. Even if you are not formally charged or convicted of DUI, the Department of Motor Vehicles will issue an automatic driver’s license suspension. To contest this suspension, you must request an administrative hearing within 10 days after you receive notice of your license suspension. 
• Use of an ignition interlock device: For a first-time DUI offense, your driver’s license can be suspended for six months. However, you may be able to regain your driving privileges by having an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your vehicle. An IID is an in-vehicle breathalyzer that will only allow the car to start if the driver is sober. Repeat DUI offenders and those who cause injury to others when committing DUI may be required to use an IID for one to four years. 
• A criminal record: Even after completing a sentence for a DUI conviction, including serving jail time or probation, paying fines, or completing other requirements, your DUI charge will remain on your criminal record. Information about your arrest will show up in any background checks, allowing others to learn details about the alleged offense.
• Mug shot: When you are booked following an arrest, your “mug shot” will be taken. This picture could end up on one of the websites that post such information, so that a mere computer search of your name will return your mug shot.
• Employment: Because a DUI will show up on background checks, prospective employers may choose not to hire you, even if you only had a single offense that occurred several years in the past. The loss of your driver's license following a DUI arrest could affect your ability to work in a career that involves driving. A DUI conviction may also result in the suspension or revocation of a professional license. 
• Child custody: DUI arrests or convictions may play a role in decisions about child custody made in family courts. If you are getting divorced, a recent DUI may cause a judge to question your fitness as a parent, which could result in the loss of custody or restrictions on the time you spend with your children.
• International Travel: During a period of probation after a DUI charge, you may require special permission to travel. In addition, some countries prohibit entry by those with a DUI conviction. In Canada, for example, a person is restricted from entering the country for at least five years after a DUI conviction.

Contact a Santa Cruz DUI Lawyer

Being arrested for driving under the influence can be a frightening experience, and it can have a huge impact on your life going forward. To ensure that your rights are protected, you should contact an attorney immediately following your arrest. At the law office of John W. Thornton, we will work to help you minimize the potential consequences you may face, and we will do everything we can to preserve your reputation. Contact our experienced Santa Cruz, CA DUI defense attorney at 831-426-5800 to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources: 

https://drugabuse.com/cuffed-and-stuffed-7-ways-a-dui-will-haunt-your-life/

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/driversafety/dsalcohol

https://matadornetwork.com/read/travel-restrictions-dui-countries/