If you’ve received a DUI charge, you probably have a lot of questions. Should you fight the charges? Will fighting make your situation worse? There are consequences for a DUI conviction that can affect many different aspects of your life, including your career ambitions. That is why it is always worth it to expend the time and resources necessary to fight the charges.
LEGAL CONSEQUENCES
The first time you receive a DUI conviction, the court will suspend your drivers’ license for a minimum of three months. Upon your second or third conviction, that time period increases to two years or ten years, respectively.
You will also likely need to attend an alcohol education, assessment and treatment course. The judge also has discretion to order the installation of an ignition interlock device in all of your vehicles at your expense. Whether or not they order this depends upon the circumstances surrounding your arrest.
CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR CAREER
If your profession is one that requires licensure by an official regulatory board, you might face professional consequences for a DUI conviction as well. A criminal conviction of any kind often triggers a disciplinary hearing by these boards. These disciplinary hearings could result in a suspension or even revocation of your professional license, depending upon the gravity of the offense.
If you are a medical professional, attorney, military personnel, teacher or other type of licensed professional, you’ll need to worry about defending yourself in both your criminal trial and your disciplinary hearing. Defeating your criminal charges in court is usually enough to win your professional disciplinary hearing as well. Thus, fighting your charges is critical for your career.
Remember, just because you have a charge for a DUI doesn’t mean you will be convicted. You can hire an attorney, prepare a defense and fight the charges. If you live in New Jersey and have been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated, call the Law Offices Of Michael P. McGuire LLC at 732-704-7331 to schedule a free consultation to examine your case.