A drunk driving conviction can have a profound impact on your life.
A person with a DUI conviction may not want to discuss their situation with others. Unfortunately, there are other times when you must disclose that you have a drunk driving conviction.
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services and insurance companies
A person convicted of a drunk driving charge will have a record that alerts the PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services. This will trigger specific actions, such as the revocation or suspension required as a result of your conviction.
Your motor vehicle insurance company should also be alerted to the conviction. You can tell them, or they may learn of the conviction through your driving record or an investigation. Typically, an increase in insurance rates will occur after a conviction. Some insurance companies won’t cover drivers convicted of drunk driving, so that they may cancel the policy of a person with a conviction on their record.
Current and future employers
Individuals with job duties that include operating a motor vehicle or machinery must inform their employer or potential employer about a DUI conviction. A drunk driving conviction can also impact whether an employee can be covered under insurance policies that the employer must obtain.
Certain professions, including those that require licensing, may also require people to disclose criminal convictions, including drunk driving convictions. This includes occupations such as commercial drivers, specific healthcare roles, teaching and some financial positions. Jobs that require a high moral standard, even if they don’t require a license, will also require disclosure of a conviction.
Finally, if your DUI was classified as a felony, you may be required to disclose it on housing and schooling applications, as well as other documentation that asks about a felony record.
When you consider the long-term effects of a drunk driving conviction, it’s easy to see why you’ll need to explore your defense options as soon after you’re arrested as possible. Consider how a potential conviction may impact your entire life instead of focusing only on things like losing your driving privileges, fines and similar court-imposed penalties when crafting a legal strategy with a defense attorney.