Dealing with a DUI conviction may seem like a mostly short-term issue. Many people focus solely on the fact that it could lead to time in jail or large fines.
But the bigger issues often come into play after a person gets out of jail. After all, a DUI conviction will affect a person for years to come.
Dealing with housing
BACtrack discusses the true, long-term impacts of a DUI conviction. DUI convictions can result in a person struggling to find housing, employment, or even just get around their city.
Regarding housing, it is not legal for a landlord to discriminate against a person solely because of a criminal record. However, having a DUI does make a person a less valuable and wanted candidate. In areas with a lot of competition for housing, many people with DUIs on record will end up out-competed by people without criminal records.
Troubles with employment
Regarding employment, many employers will not hire someone with a DUI-related crime on record. It is illegal for such people to work with children in any capacity, for example. This includes teaching positions at all grade levels. Government agencies will not hire someone with a DUI on file, either. Neither will companies that require a commercial driver’s license or a lot of machine operation.
Mobility issues
And for getting around, this relates to the fact that a person will likely go through a period of license suspension after they get out of jail. This could drastically reduce their ability to job hunt, apartment hunt and even do small tasks like grocery shop or go to the doctor.
Needless to say, these are all huge factors in a person’s quality of life that will take hits due to a DUI.
