Getting a DUI conviction is a scary prospect for anyone, whether it is a first-time offense or not. However, most people just consider the short-term impacts.
Jail time and fines are difficult to deal with, but the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction are even worse in many ways.
Issues with housing
BACtrack discusses some of the longer-lasting effects of a DUI conviction. This includes the impact on a person’s ability to find housing and jobs, as well as the hit their reliable transportation may take.
When it comes to house hunting, landlords cannot legally discriminate against someone due to their criminal record alone. However, the housing market is extremely competitive these days. If a landlord has multiple applicants to choose between, they are more likely to default toward the ones without a criminal record.
Closed doors for careers
For jobs, there are plenty of fields that do not hire individuals with DUI convictions in specific. Most obviously, this includes jobs that require a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Jobs that require frequent operation of machinery will also likely not hire a person with a DUI, even if a CDL is not technically necessary.
Other job fields that become inaccessible include jobs that work with children and government positions. This can close a lot of doors for many people.
Finally, jobs may also end up threatened by the lack of reliable transportation. Many people with a DUI have to undergo a period of license suspension. If they rely on the bus, they cannot guarantee they will always get to work on time, and thus they have a lower priority for hiring.