What Can a DUI Conviction Prevent You From Doing?
The experience of being charged with driving under the influence is nerve-wracking. After the event, you will likely find yourself searching “DUI lawyer near me” online and worrying about the negative impact a conviction can have on your life. If you have been charged with a DUI, finding a DUI lawyer is the wisest thing you can do. At Henderson Legal Defense, LLC, we work diligently to prevent drivers in and around Olathe, KS, from going to jail and losing their licenses.
What Can a DUI Conviction Prevent You From Doing?
As if being arrested for driving under the influence wasn’t scary enough, the consequences of receiving a DUI conviction are even more chilling. Once you’ve been convicted of a DUI, life becomes more challenging, as you’ll have to navigate the restrictions that accompany a conviction.
Unfortunately, having a DUI on your record impacts numerous aspects of your life, such as international travel and even simply driving to work and the grocery store. Keep reading to learn what limitations you’ll encounter if you are convicted of a DUI.
Finding or Keeping a Job
Your Current Job
Not all employers will care if you have a DUI conviction on your record, but enough of them do to make it worth mentioning. Depending on where you currently work, being convicted could cause your employer to terminate you. Jobs involving transportation or the operation of vehicles and machinery will not overlook a DUI offense. Depending on your job’s stipulations, you may have to disclose your arrest to your employer, even if you haven’t been convicted.
A DUI offense can negatively affect your career, even if your job doesn’t involve driving. There are many industries where having an employee with a DUI conviction is unacceptable and can cause liability issues. Each employer has different policies regarding drunk driving offenses, and some companies will automatically terminate you for the conviction, regardless of whether your job consists of operating equipment or vehicles.
Future Jobs
When you’re applying for a job, you want to stand out. However, a glaring DUI conviction on your record isn’t how you want to do it. Most employers in the transportation industry will automatically disqualify you based on your prior offense, and you will likely be ineligible for most government and public service jobs. Some employers in other sectors may also hesitate to give you a chance and make premature judgments about you.
Although it may feel like an uphill battle, you can still find a job with a DUI offense. Your options will be limited, but the longer you go without another violation, the better it will look to employers. Depending on the severity of your offense, you may be able to look into expunging your record, which will prevent your prior actions from being an issue in the future.
Receiving or Keeping Scholarships
Like employers, not every scholarship provider will revoke your scholarship because of a DUI, but some will. Having one mistake damage your future is frustrating and a key reason why it is crucial to hire an experienced DUI lawyer to handle your charge. Representing yourself in a DUI charge will not get you the results you want and could result in your arrest becoming a conviction that changes the course of your life.
The Ability to Travel Internationally
Many countries have strict policies about criminal records and DUI convictions for visitors. While some locations allow tourists to obtain travel waivers to access the country, not all make exceptions.
Canada
America’s northern neighbor has strict laws regarding alcohol offenses. Since receiving a DUI is a significant offense in Canada and can result in the offender serving up to a decade in prison, officials do not take kindly to visitors with DUI convictions. Previously, Canada allowed individuals with a prior DUI to enter ten years after their offense, but that concession no longer exists.
You may be able to file for a temporary resident permit, which will allow you to enter and remain in Canada for a set period, but you will have to have a valid reason for visiting. The process of getting the permit is lengthy, so you’ll want to begin applying long before you plan to travel.
Mexico
Since Mexico considers DUIs an indictable offense that is similar to a felony, gaining entrance will be challenging as Mexico does not allow felons to enter. Any drunk driving conviction in the last ten years is enough to prevent you from traveling to Mexico. Some travelers have tried to enter Mexico with a DUI and succeeded thanks to apathetic border guards, but you shouldn’t plan on heading there for vacation with a conviction on your record.
Austrailia
Heading down under will be complicated with a DUI conviction on your record. While typically one of the countries more accessible to Americans, that isn’t the case if you have a record. Every foreigner entering the country must complete an electronic visa. Part of completing the visa application requires you to pass a character test. This test requires you to have no association with criminal conduct, no convictions, and no significant criminal record.
You’ll need to apply for a travel waiver for a chance to visit, as you won’t pass the electronic visa. A travel waiver allows you to travel for business or tourism for up to 90 days without receiving a visa, but keep in mind some restrictions apply to this option, and it can take a long time to process.
Enjoying Your Freedom
If you are convicted of a DUI conviction in Olathe, KS, or anywhere else in the state, you risk spending some time in jail. The length of time will depend on your arrest circumstances and whether you have prior convictions.
For example, individuals in Kansas receiving their first offense could be jailed from 48 hours to six months. Those on their second offense will be held for a minimum of five days but as long as 12 months. Finally, if you are on your third offense, you could be imprisoned for 90 days to 12 months.
Legally Driving a Vehicle
In Kansas, drivers convicted of a DUI will receive a license suspension for 30 days on their first offense. However, if their blood alcohol level exceeds 1.5g/ml, that suspension will extend to one year. If it is your second or third conviction, your driving privileges will be revoked for a year.
Remember, even once your license is no longer suspended, you will still have to have an ignition interlock device for a set time. Not only is this device an annoyance every time you wish to drive your vehicle, but you will also be responsible for paying for any upkeep it needs while you use it.
You Can Stop Searching “DUI Lawyer Near Me”
It’s easy to become caught in an endless cycle of scrolling as you look at website after website, trying to figure out if you can defend yourself in court. Resist the temptation to handle your charge alone. Judges and juries are notoriously tough on individuals who manage their own DUI charges.
Or you may even be tempted to use a court-appointed lawyer, which is also ill-advised. Don’t place your future in the hands of a random individual. Instead, choose your own legal representation and find someone you can trust. You want a lawyer who is prepared to fight for you and do what it takes to get your conviction dropped.
The Defense Team You Need in Olathe, KS
Don’t settle for court-appointment attorneys or lawyers without courtroom experience. At Henderson Legal Defense, LLC, we relentlessly defend our clients and do everything in our power to get you the best results possible.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, there’s no time to waste. Contact Henderson Legal Defense, LLC, today, and let us fight for your future.