Arizona is one of the toughest states when it comes to enforcing, prosecuting, and penalizing driving under the influence cases. While DUIs can range in the nature of charges and their severity, all charges have the potential to create significant short and long-term consequences that can profoundly impact the lives of convicted individuals and in many cases, their families as well.
Aside from posing the threat of serious short-term penalties, including fines and possible terms of imprisonment, DUI allegations also expose accused individuals to a number of long-term repercussions that can affect their personal, professional, and financial well-being. With so much on the line, working with experienced defense attorneys should be your primary focus after being charged with any driving under the influence offense.
At Skousen & Reedy, PLC, our Mesa DUI attorneys have helped numerous men and women throughout Arizona protect their rights and futures when facing allegations for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Because we know the considerable consequences at stake, we leverage our extensive experience and the insight of a former prosecutor to effectively challenge the government’s cases against our clients. Over the years, our resources and commitment have allowed us to secure numerous positive resolutions on behalf of the accused, and protect them in the long-run.
To help you better understand what is at stake when it comes to the long-term effects of a DUI, our legal team has put together the following information:
- Criminal Record – A DUI conviction means a criminal record. When a criminal offense is visible on background checks, it has the potential to create a number of limitations in your life, including limitations when seeking employment, housing, and even scholarships or funding for higher education. In some cases, such as for truck drivers or those with professional licenses, a conviction can even be grounds for termination. Should the DUI be a felony, convicted individuals face even greater limitations, as well as a loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote, the right to own a firearm, and the ability to collect government assistance. Every situation is unique, but criminal records can certainly put a person at a disadvantage as they navigate their future following a conviction.
- Driver’s License Penalties – Driving under the influence entails two proceedings: the criminal case concerning one’s guilt and administrative hearings concerning their driving privileges. When charged with a DUI, motorists will face driver’s license suspension that can range from a matter of months to years in cases involving more severe charges or aggravating factors. Without the ability to drive, convicted individuals often find it difficult to meet the demands of daily life, including transportation to work or school and meeting family obligations. These proceedings are handled independently from one another, and at Skousen & Reedy, PLC, our DUI attorneys represent clients during both matters.
- Ongoing Costs – Although there are fines and court fees imposed upon a DUI conviction, those are typically not the end of case-related costs. For example, many convicted motorists will be required to take classes or attend treatment, which they will have to pay for themselves. Courts or administrative officials from the Arizona MVD may also require that motorists install ignition interlock devices on their vehicles in order to drive. These devices must be installed and removed at the driver’s expense, and may need to be routinely calibrated on a monthly basis, which can quickly rack up costs. Additionally, a DUI conviction results in points on your license, which can raise auto insurance premiums and create even more monthly expenses.
When compounded with the immediate penalties of a DUI, these long-term consequences make it clear that there is a lot on the line when charges are levied against you. As such, the best way to protect yourself and put yourself in position to mitigate or even avoid these repercussions is to work with proven attorneys who have the experience, resources, and determination to help you fight for the best possible resolution. Our legal team at Skousen & Reedy, PLC knows how to handle DUI cases, and leverages decades of combined experience to conduct thorough investigations into the arrest, law enforcement protocol, and version of facts presented by prosecutors. With preparation and insightful legal work, we aim to protect our clients’ freedoms and futures.
If you or someone you love has recently been charged with any type of driving under the influence offense in Mesa or the surrounding areas of Arizona, don’t wait to reach out for the help you need.
Remember, time is of the essence in criminal cases. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.