When people drive while intoxicated, they typically do not think about that decision’s long-term impact. However, getting a glimpse of what life could look like after getting a DUI could reinforce the importance of finding alternatives to drunk driving.
Getting rides everywhere
After serious drunk driving infractions or multiple offenses, you could have a suspended or revoked license.
Therefore, don’t expect to drive yourself to work or pick up your kids from daycare. If you want to meet friends for lunch or go grocery shopping, you’ll need to get a ride from someone or pay for a bus, taxi or rideshare service.
Even if you think you have more than enough transportation alternatives, the fact is that life without a license can be inconvenient and imposing.
Embarrassing interactions
It can be embarrassing to tell people you can’t drive or have a drunk driving offense on your record. Whether it comes up in conversations at work or in social settings, it can be uncomfortable and give others a negative impression.
It could also be uncomfortable if someone sees you blowing into an ignition interlock device to start your car.
Paying higher bills
After DUI or drunk driving convictions, you can see your bills increase dramatically. Legal expenses, fines and higher insurance rates are just a few ways you can wind up paying for a criminal offense for quite some time.
Further, you may need to cover the costs of an ignition interlock device, towing and education classes.
Spending your free time behind a desk (or bars)
Rather than spending the weekend with family or relaxing at home, the courts could order you to spend time performing community service or taking alcohol education classes. Depending on the nature and severity of the charges, you could also find yourself serving jail time.
In other words, life after a DUI can be inconvenient, embarrassing and upsetting.
However, you can completely change your future by refraining from driving under the influence in the first place and aggressively defending against any charges that do arise.
