The Long-Term Consequences of a DUI Conviction in Florida: Impact on Employment and Personal Life
If you are convicted of DUI in Florida, you can expect legal consequences that involve hefty fines, license suspension, probation, alcohol education programs, community service, and even jail time. However, even after you have fulfilled your legal obligations, the long-term consequences of the conviction can stay with you for a lifetime.
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Here are the various ways that a DUI conviction can impact your future.
Employment Problems
After a DUI conviction, you may experience difficulties with employment. Most employers conduct background checks before they make a job offer. If you have a criminal record, especially a DUI, you may be disqualified from certain jobs.
Florida is an at-will employment state, meaning that your employer is allowed to fire you for any reason at any time, except for discrimination. If your employer finds out that you have a DUI conviction, you could lose your job.
Certain industries will be more likely to terminate an employee or decline to hire a potential candidate with a criminal history. Teachers, school employees, childcare professions, healthcare, real estate, politics, government jobs, or jobs that involve driving are the industries where there could be issues due to a DUI.
Your DUI will appear on your driving record and your criminal record, making it visible during background checks. Many employers will overlook you as a candidate if yo have a DUI on your record.
Insurance Premium Increases
As if car insurance rates weren’t already steep in Florida, if you are convicted of DUI, you can expect your rates to increase even more. Car insurance companies evaluate your risk based on certain factors. With so many drivers on the road, this is why the rates have gone up for everyone.
With a DUI on your record, you may see a much larger increase. Some auto insurance carriers may decline to offer you coverage since driving under the influence is an indication of reckless behavior, making you a greater risk. It may be years before you can negotiate lower rates after your conviction.
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License Suspension
Perhaps an even bigger concern than skyrocketing car insurance premiums will be your lack of a driver’s license. After a DUI conviction, you may get your license suspended for several years. You’ll have to rely on walking, carpooling, ridesharing, or public transit to get around until you can get your license reinstated.
Strains on Personal Relationships
Family members and friends may treat you differently after your DUI conviction. Your neighbors may suddenly stop talking amongst themselves when you approach them. If you ever drove your friends’ or family members’ kids around, they may be unwilling to put their trust in you for a long time. When someone is convicted of DUI, it strains all their relationships. It will take a long time for you to prove that you can make better choices.
Impacts on Your Mental Health
You may feel intense guilt, shame, and regret in the aftermath of your DUI conviction. This can result in anxiety and depression as you struggle to pick up the pieces.
Once you serve your time and fulfill the obligations of your penalties, you should be able to move forward and make a fresh start. It is imperative that you discuss your situation with legal DUI experts to help you understand your rights and defend you from the charge.