Lesser Known Ways a DUI Conviction Could Impact Your Life
DUI convictions have a long-lasting impact on your relationship with your friends, loved ones, and career. The ways these criminal charges can change your life vary, however, from person to person.
While the greatest of the impacts—financial strain, for example, and loss of opportunities for work—are well-known, there are subtler ways an unchallenged conviction can upend your day-to-day life. These include:
Taking Away Your Personal Autonomy
The severity of the consequences tied to a drunk driving conviction can vary depending on your existing criminal history. If you have previous convictions that have gone unchallenged on your record, you may find that Maryland may revoke your license upon your next infraction.
If you find your license revoked, your ability to take care of yourself can take a notable nosedive. It will be much more difficult for you to get your groceries, go to the movies, or otherwise do things you enjoy on a daily basis. While you can walk from place to place or even take a bus, your lack of a car can leave you feeling frustrated with your lack of control over your life.
Compounding Mental Health Problems
The aforementioned lack of autonomy does more than make your day-to-day life difficult to contend with. If you’re contending with mental health issues, the isolation brought about by your DUI conviction can leave you in an uncomfortable position. You may no longer have the means to get the help you need with your mental health in the wake of your conviction.
The good news is that many mental health professionals offer online services to anyone in need. Transitioning from in-person care can be a challenge, though. You may also find it more difficult to access any medication you need if Maryland’s revoked your license and you’re not able to make it to the pharmacy as often.
Opening You Up to a Civil Lawsuit
You can face more than criminal consequences if you endure a DUI conviction. Any parties you hit or otherwise injured in your accident may bring a civil lawsuit up against you. A civil complaint can see you have to pay damages out to parties who suffered losses in your accident.
The financial strain of your drunk driving fines and possible civil losses can leave you in an uncomfortable position. Fortunately, you can work with a DUI attorney to protect yourself from the fees that come with a civil lawsuit. We can discuss how you may want to approach civil ligation during a free initial case consultation.
Limiting Your Access to Children and/or Young Family Members
There is a chance that your DUI conviction may impact any existing custody agreements you may have with an ex-partner. An ex-spouse may use your DUI conviction to request a modification to your existing agreement, thus limiting your access to your children.
While you can collaborate with an attorney to defend your right to support your child, the need to can be painful. What’s more, lack of access to your car, if your license has been revoked, may make it difficult for you to defend your right to be with your child.
Our Attorneys Challenge Your DUI Charge in Criminal Court
The consequences of an unchallenged DUI are severe, to say the least. You may have to deal with more than fines and jail time, though. Once you’ve contended with the legal consequences of your charges, you may be left with familial and personal challenges that last for years at a time.
Fortunately, you have the right to fight back against a DUI charge. At The Law Office of Hillel Traub, we know the local courts and have a proven track record. Hillel Traub, a former lawyer from MVA, has your best interest in mind and wants to do everything he can to have your charges reduced or dropped. Contact us at (410) 580-1100 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation.