Are you worried about how a DUI may affect you in the future? Our Spring Hill DUI attorneys assist countless clients in a similar situation and we do our best to help them fight back, as we understand that having a DUI on your record can make some aspects of life harder. Here are some of the most common questions our attorneys answer daily.
Will a DUI Show Up on a Background Check and Does It Ever Go Away?
A DUI will show up on your driving record and your criminal record. When you are in a situation that requires a background check (such as applying for a job), a prospective employer will be able to see any arrests and convictions you’ve had in the past. When required to present a driving record, you can expect a DUI to show up there as well.
You can get your driving record expunged after a few years, as long as you did not commit any additional offenses. However, your criminal record is permanent and cannot be expunged, meaning your DUI does not go away. Note that a DUI arrest and a DUI conviction are not synonyms. If you were arrested for a DUI but did not get convicted, this will not show up on your criminal record. Only DUI convictions generate an entry into your criminal record.
Do I Have to Pay Higher Insurance Premiums if I Was Charged With a DUI?
According to a recent market study, Florida drivers convicted of a DUI can expect to pay an average of 61% more for car insurance than other drivers. The average yearly insurance rate for someone with a clean driving record is $2,250.00, compared to the $3,614.00 a year rate with DUI.
An affordable alternative for drivers with a DUI is to consider SR-22 non-owners insurance. This type of insurance is a good way to access cheaper rates if you don’t own a vehicle and need to file an SR-22, as it only covers for injuries or property damage you may cause as an at-fault driver, and does not cover damages to the vehicle you are driving.
Are There Certain Jobs I Cannot Get If I Have a DUI on My Record?
Certain employment laws prevent employers from discriminating against someone who has a criminal record. However, there are some jobs a candidate with a DUI simply would never qualify for.
Those positions that require driving a company or personal vehicle as a daily part of the business may find that hiring someone with a DUI on record is impracticable or highly risky. The same goes for professions that require a clean background check, such as teachers, law enforcement officers, government employees, nurses, or commercial truck drivers, to name a few examples.
How Else Will a DUI Affect Me – and How Can an Attorney Help?
Having a DUI conviction on your record may also affect your ability to travel internationally. A DUI may trigger a red flag, and in countries like Canada, it may result in being denied entry as many countries do not allow anyone with a criminal record to cross their borders. A DUI may also cause many headaches for someone in the military or hoping to join the military in the future.
If you have been charged with a DUI, it is best to hire an attorney that can give you a fighting chance to avoid all the complications that a conviction may bring you in the future. At Carson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, we help Spring Hill DUI customers fight back to get their charges reduced or dropped. Call us for a free case evaluation as soon as possible to see how we can help.
