March 8, 2019
If you were arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Florida, you may be worried about possible fines, license suspension, or even jail time. While these well-known penalties often weigh on the mind of anyone charged with DUI, many people overlook or fail to consider all of the potential collateral consequences of a DUI conviction.
DUI penalties can be severe. An offender might be sentenced to time behind bars, have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars in fines and court costs, and they may have to figure out how to get to work without a driver’s license for months to come. However, a conviction may also have additional unpleasant, far-reaching, and unexpected impacts.
A DUI Can Negatively Impact Your Future
A DUI conviction can impact your immediate future, but it can also create complications for months and even years to come. If you are convicted of DUI in Florida, it may cause the loss or revocation of your:
- Professional license. Perhaps you are a nurse, doctor, teacher, or lawyer. These and many other professions require licensure to maintain employment. If you look at the fine print for the conditions of your license, you may see a DUI conviction could result in license suspension or cancellation. If that happens, the degree and professional qualifications that you worked so hard for may be rendered worthless.
- Scholarships. You may be a current college student with scholarships helping to fund your education costs. Scholarships are often awarded based on the maintenance of specific standards, including avoiding criminal charges or convictions. If you are a student and subject to scholarship requirements, the potential for loss of funding might undermine your ability to complete your studies and earn your degree.
- Commercial drivers license (CDL). Depending on the severity of your charges, you could lose your CDL endorsement, even if you were not driving your truck at the time that you were pulled over for suspected DUI. If you rely on a CDL to earn your livelihood, losing it may have very serious and immediate financial consequences.
- Ability to possess a firearm. A felony DUI conviction in Florida means you will no longer able to purchase or possess a firearm.
- Security clearance. A criminal conviction for anyone with a security clearance may mean it will be suspended or revoked, depending on the employer. For anyone who needs a security clearance to do their job, losing it may mean you will be laid off or terminated.
You Need a St. Petersburg DUI Attorney
Getting a DUI conviction in Florida can have consequences far beyond fines and jail time. If you have been charged with DUI, don’t leave your future to chance. Speak to an experienced DUI defense lawyer in St. Petersburg as soon as possible. Contact Khonsari Law Group today. Our legal team is dedicated to helping Florida residents protect their rights and get fair treatment under the law. Call us at (727) 269-5300 or online to schedule a free consultation and learn if we may be able to help you.