Legal Issues That Can Arise From a DUI

When most people think about a DUI charge, they believe it is a misdemeanor without heavy legal consequences. Many think the highest consequence is losing your license, but it is more complicated than this. Lots of legal issues can arise from a DUI, and you’ll need DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys to save you. They include,

Criminal charges

It is true that a DUI is a misdemeanor, so you may only be fined for driving under the influence. However, if you continue to get multiple DUIs, you may be considered a repeat offender, leading to criminal charges and you’ll need DUI & Criminal Defense Attorneys in Greeley.

When criminal charges are brought against you, the penalties are harsher than community service and fines. When you’re charged with a felony, you can spend years in prison and this will affect your job prospects in the future.

Civil and criminal liability

Believe it or not, you can face civil liability for drinking under the influence. People who are hurt in an accident you caused can sue for compensation, and you’ll be compelled to pay for the damages no matter how long it takes.

Besides civil liability, you can also be criminally liable for wrongful death and injuries when you drive under the influence. Charges like vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter can put you in jail for life. In extreme cases, you may face a murder charge, and a criminal defense attorney will be needed at this point.

License suspension

A suspended license means you can no longer drive your car. If you drive without a license, you’ll get into more trouble. This may not be a big deal to some, but if you live in areas with poor public transport, a car is an essential tool.

To restore suspended licenses from a DUI, you’ll also need a DUI lawyer. Besides suspension, your license may also be revoked entirely.

Mandatory treatments

In some states, a DUI can force you into mandatory treatment centers for alcoholics. While this may be a lighter punishment, some treatments are not free and can be time-consuming. You’re better off not drinking and driving.

Higher insurance premium

Your insurance premiums are determined by a variety of factors, including your personal history, lifestyle, and even geographical location. However, when you’re classified as a high-risk individual, the cost of your insurance can skyrocket. This means that while others may be paying a relatively small amount each month for their coverage, you could be faced with significantly higher monthly payments. The disparity in premiums is due to the way insurance companies assess risk.

Insurance providers evaluate the likelihood of you filing a claim based on your past behavior, health, or driving record, among other factors. If they determine that you're more likely to encounter a situation that requires coverage—whether it be an accident, illness, or another incident—they raise your premium to compensate for that perceived risk. In essence, they believe that you pose a greater financial liability compared to other policyholders, and as a result, they increase the price to protect themselves from potential payouts in the future.

For example, in the case of auto insurance, a driver with multiple traffic violations or accidents on record is seen as more likely to be involved in future incidents. Similarly, individuals with certain medical conditions may be charged more for health or life insurance. This approach helps insurance companies maintain profitability while ensuring they can cover potential claims. Though it may feel unfair, it’s the way the system operates to balance the costs of insuring both low-risk and high-risk clients.

Loss of job

Private companies have the right to set rules for their employees and can let an employee go if they are arrested for a DUI. This is the case, especially when you drive during working hours.

Companies may consider you a lawsuit waiting to happen and cut their losses earlier on. Losing your job means you won’t be able to support yourself until you find a new job.

It helps to seek legal advice as soon as possible to reduce the chances of any of this escalating your case.