Protecting Your Rights Throughout Eastern Iowa Since 1981

How can a DUI change a person’s life?

On Behalf of | Sep 23, 2022 | Criminal Defense

A DUI conviction can change a person’s life in many ways, both in the long term and the short term. However, most people typically only focus on the short term.

This is why it is important for individuals facing DUI charges to understand the exact extent to which a DUI conviction can impact them.

Short term consequences

Forbes talks about what happens after a person ends up with a DUI conviction. First, the short-term consequences which most people spend their time worrying about. This typically includes the possibility of a fine or fee, along with jail time.

Of course, these consequences pose a major issue to many. However, the period in jail will likely not last for long, and then a person must deal with the longer-lasting consequences outside of jail time.

Impact to employment

This typically first manifests in job hunting. After all, a person may lose employment after a DUI arrest and conviction, especially if they have to serve time. However, it is not easy for someone with a DUI on record to find a new job. Many fields such as childcare and CDL driving positions will not hire someone with a DUI for safety reasons.

Struggles with housing

Next, it is possible to struggle finding housing, too. Though it is illegal for landlords to discriminate based on criminal record, many will simply value potential residents with a clean record more than those with a dirty one, causing a person to get looked over during application.

With these drastic changes to employment and housing, a person’s entire life could turn upside down all because of one DUI conviction. This is why it is important to take a charge seriously.