Long Term Consequences Of DWI Convictions

If you are wondering about the long term consequences of DWI convictions, you are in the right place.  Here we will discuss the long term consequences of DWI convictions and what you need to know on the topic.

There Are Many Long Term Consequences Of Being Charged With A DWI

There are a many long term consequences of being charged with a DWI conviction. DWI’s are legal charges an individual will face if he or she is pulled over and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. The term itself stands for “driving while intoxicated” and is a serious criminal charge that will lead to many different problems both immediately and down the line.

Getting Busted Drinking And Driving: Important Things To Note

When Pulled Over

If an individual is pulled over and suspected for drinking and driving (DWI), there are tests an officer might conduct to help determine whether or not that person is under the influence. One of the methods used to test BAC include a device known as a Breathalyzer. 

Breathalyzer

A breathalyzer is used to measure the Blood Alcohol Content (also known as BAC) on the individual’s breath to determine whether or not he or she is under the influence. 

Field Sobriety Tests

An officer might also perform what are known as field sobriety tests. This includes walking in a straight line, one leg stand and more. These are all conducted if a person is suspected of being under the influence and can result in an arrest if the officer determines that individual is impaired.

Consequences Of DWI – What You Can Expect To Happen Immediately

There are many consequences of a DWI conviction that will happen immediately and can also impact the long term. A few of these legal consequences include large fines that can reach in the thousands of dollars, rehabilitation and therapy and even jail time.

It’s important to note that a person’s jail sentence will vary depending on the specifics of the charges, the place where the person is arrested among other things. If you are arrested in Louisiana for DWI charges, you better be sure that you will see very serious consequences for your actions. This is true in many other states as well.

Initial Consequences Of DWI

Loss Of License

Getting charged with DWI may cause you to lose your license. If you lose your license enough, you may (at some point) be required to use a device in order to ensure you are not drunk when you are starting up your vehicle.

The time period of your loss of license can vary from state to state and also depends upon whether this is a first DWI offense or one of many.

Ignition Interlock Device

The ignition interlock device is a device that requires one to breathe into it in order to start his or her vehicle. This device might be required in a number of scenarios and is usually used when an individual has been charged with DWI multiple times and continues to get arrested.

Using this device not only is embarrassing but can cause problems in many other ways too. If you’re having a problem staying sober, the ignition interlock device will make it difficult to drive, show up to work and deal with the day to day.

Probation

Getting a DWI may result in probation as well. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you will most likely go to jail and be offered probation as part of your release. This also depends on some of the other factors associated with your DWI. However, having to go to probation regularly will certain disrupt your life in many ways.

Counseling And Rehab

When an individual gets a DWI, it is not uncommon for them to be required to attend a counseling program or rehabilitation. Having to take time off from work and fit counseling, AA or a rehab into your daily life can cause consequences. If you are working and need to take off time from work, you could potentially lose your job. Many employers are sympathetic and will not penalize you for trying to help yourself, however the stress of this consequence can often be very large.

Long Term Consequences Of Getting Charged With DWI

A DWI is a serious legal offense that has many consequences. In addition to the legal and personal consequences we discussed above, there are also more long-term consequences of DWI convictions.  Here are a few examples.

Difficulty Getting And Keeping A Job

Someone charged with a DWI conviction might have difficulty getting hired by companies or difficulty with work. This is especially true if you want to work in a field that requires you to drive as part of the employment.

There are long-term effects of a DWI on a person’s career as well. It might cause an individual to lose their current job and even cause difficulty in finding a future job. 

Employers who want to run a background check might not want to hire someone with a badly damaged reputation, including a DWI on record. 

Strain On Social And Personal Life

A DWI can also have a strain on the social and personal life of the person charged with it. Being arrested and having a criminal record can definitely lead to others making harsh judgements. This can impact a lot of things, including:

• Social Circle
• Self Esteem
• Depression
• Opportunities

These are just a few of the ways getting arrested can affect one’s social life and overall well-being.

Health And Physical Well-Being

It might also be physically harmful over the period of a lifetime for someone to drive under the influence. Engaging in long term alcohol overuse can cause mental and physical health problems that can be an indirect long term consequence of this behavior.

In addition to this, driving under the influence is a scary behavior that can lead to car accidents and death.  Most people don’t think about this when they get into a vehicle but a DWI accident is something that will lead to many long term difficulties.

There Are Many Long Term Consequences Of DWI Charges

DWI convictions have serious consequences that include difficulty with career advancement, social consequences, physical consequences, and more. It’s important that if you have a DWI or DUI you consult with an attorney right away. Doing so can reduce the consequences you may face drastically.

Barkemeyer Law Firm Is A DWI Attorney In Louisiana

Barkemeyer Law Firm is a DWI attorney in Louisiana who can help you if you are facing DWI charges. You can learn more about his firm on this page here and contact him for a consultation regarding your case. You can schedule your consultation on this page here.

Don’t let DWI get the best of you and ruin your future. The long term consequences are harsh and there are steps you can take!  We hope you learned more about the many long term consequences of DWI charges and wish you the best! Please feel free to give Barkemeyer Law Firm a call if you need help with this case or any other criminal charges in the future.