A Republican candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives was recently forced to resign when it became known that he had been convicted of drunk driving.
Being convicted of drunk driving in Massachusetts comes with consequences that can last for years. Frequently, drunk driving charges can involve college students or even teenagers. Unfortunately, they may compound the mistake of driving after having too much to drink with the even larger mistake of pleading guilty to the charge without the assistance of an experienced Massachusetts OUI defense lawyer.
In other cases, a parent may decide not to hire a defense attorney on behalf of a teenager, often because they mistakenly believe such charges will disappear in adulthood or can be expunged or sealed at a later date. In most states, a DUI conviction cannot be sealed or expunged and will remain a part of a driver's permanent criminal record.
And in still other cases, a defendant may decide not to hire an attorney because of the expense. Various studies have put the cost of a DUI conviction at more than $10,000, including fines, court costs, attorney fees, DUI school, increased insurance premiums, lost wages and other expenses. Defense lawyers understand expense is a factor and many accept payment by credit cards or will offer affordable payments plans or other arrangements. Hiring an experienced drunk driving defense attorney is frequently the best money you will spend as a result of a DUI arrest.
Consequences of a drunk driving conviction can include:
-Court costs, fines, probation, jail time and suspension of your driver's license.
-Skyrocketing insurance premiums and costly fees to retrieve your driver's license.
-Loss of employment and/or the inability to obtain certain jobs or hold certain occupational licenses. Many times, job applications will ask about previous arrests and a drunk driving conviction can force you to make a disclosure on job applications throughout your career.
-Scholarships can be lost and a drunk driving conviction can impact your ability to join the military or obtain certain types of government assistance, including student loans.
-Probation requirements can lead to additional legal problems.
Consulting with an experienced Massachusetts criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights.
The Law Offices of Michael DelSignore are conveniently located in Stoughton, Attleboro, Braintree and Westborough.
Call (508) 455-4755 for a free consultation, 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
