ekatherine.stamatis@lawrank.com | November 1, 2021 | DUI
How Long Does it Take to Recover From a DUI in Chester County, PA?
If you are convicted of a DUI, it can cause ongoing problems in your life for some time. In addition to the criminal penalties you might face, a DUI conviction could also result in problems with employment and increases in your insurance costs.
Thankfully, however, the impact of a DUI conviction will not be permanent. You can look forward to your life returning to normal after you put in some extra work and expenses. Here is some information from DiCindio Law about what you might expect after a DUI conviction in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Immediate Effects Of A DUI Conviction
The penalties you might face for a DUI conviction will depend on your record and your blood alcohol concentration at the time of your arrest. In addition to the penalties for your underlying conviction, you will also face potentially having your license suspended for 12 months or more, being ordered to install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you drive at your own expense, and having to pay high fines based on the details of your case.
You will also have to undergo a substance abuse assessment and might be ordered to complete treatment. Finally, you could be denied entry into Canada and certain other countries that do not allow people with DUIs to enter.
Does A DUI Mean That Your Life Is Over?
If you are arrested for a DUI, that does not mean that your life is over or that you are a bad person. Millions of Americans are arrested for DUIs each year. While driving under the influence is dangerous, you can still recover from the experience. The process might be faster and smoother if you work with an experienced DUI defense lawyer who might help to reduce your charges or potentially win an outright dismissal.
If it is your first offense, you might be eligible for the accelerated rehabilitative disposition program. This is a diversionary program offered through the District Attorney’s office. However, acceptance is not automatic. If you successfully complete the ARD program, you can then ask the court to dismiss the charges against you and expunge your record.
If you are charged with a second offense within 10 years, the penalties you will face if convicted will depend on your blood alcohol content and whether any aggravating factors were present. You can expect to face more serious penalties for a second offense, including the potential for a longer jail sentence, driver’s license suspension, and higher fines.
Being convicted of a DUI could also result in the loss of your job. DUI convictions show up in pre-employment background checks and could impact your ability to find a good job. Some types of jobs might be out of reach for you with a DUI on your record.
There are also a number of countries, including Canada, that do not allow people with DUI convictions to enter. This means that your ability to travel internationally might also be impacted by a DUI conviction.
DUIs And Military Service Members
If you are a current member of the military and are charged with a DUI while you are off base, you should meet with an experienced civilian attorney immediately. If you are able to secure a dismissal or a reduction of your charges, an off-base DUI may not harm your military career too much.
If you are convicted of a DUI even if it occurred off base, the military could reduce your rank or find you unfit for duty. If you are not a member of the military but intend to join, having a DUI conviction could cause problems for you.
DUIs And Insurance Rates
If you are convicted of a DUI, your auto insurance rates will substantially increase. You will lose any safe driver discount you might have previously enjoyed. The company will view you as being a high-risk driver and either charge you higher rates or terminate your coverage. If you receive a notice of cancellation, you will then have to search for a company that is willing to take you on. High-risk coverage typically carries substantially higher rates.
Thankfully, insurance companies typically look back at the last three years to check for major traffic violations, including DUIs. This means that as long as you avoid getting any additional convictions or committing any other major traffic offenses, your insurance rates should eventually return to normal. In the meantime, however, you can anticipate paying high auto insurance rates for several years in order to legally drive.
Driver’s License Suspension
Depending on the details of your case, a DUI conviction could result in a lengthy suspension period. When your suspension period is over, your license will not automatically be reinstated. Instead, you will have to meet the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for reinstating your license, including paying a reinstatement fee.
You might be eligible for a restricted license after serving a portion of your suspension. However, you will have to install an ignition interlock device in each of your vehicles to get a restricted license. You will have to pay for the installation of the device and make monthly lease payments. This is another expense that you might anticipate from a DUI conviction.
While the impact of a DUI conviction does not mean that your life is permanently destroyed, being convicted of a DUI can cause many problems. Fortunately, a DUI arrest does not mean that you will be convicted. Instead, you should get legal help to learn how you might be able to defend against your charges.
If you have been arrested for a DUI in Chester County or the surrounding areas, it is important to get help from an experienced local DUI attorney to handle your case.
Contact Our DUI Law Firm in West Chester, PA
If you are facing criminal charges and need legal help, contact the West Chester, PA DUI lawyers at DiCindioLaw, LLC to schedule a free initial consultation.
DiCindio Law, LLC
29 S Walnut St
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 430-3535
***This blog article is made available by the law firm publisher for educational purposes and to provide general information, not to provide specific legal advice. By reading, you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the publisher. The above listed information does not include the entire crimes code, annotations, amendments or any recent changes that may be relevant. The information provided is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These materials are not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances. Please contact DiCindio Law, LLC for a consultation and to discuss what law is relevant to your case. ***