How much do you really know about the impact DUI charges have on your life? Do you have any idea of what it will be like if you are convicted? Before making assumptions about what could happen, it makes sense to learn a little more about driving under the influence and where it can lead. Consider these four factors before you assume anything.
They Don’t Go Away By Paying a Fine
Some offenses can be cleared up quickly by admitting guilt and paying a fine. That’s not the way things work with driving under the influence. Even if it’s a first offense, there will be more involved than paying the fine. Depending on the circumstances, you will lose your driving privileges for a time. There may be driving courses you must take to have those privileges reinstated. Owing to the severe nature of current laws, MassTsang DUI charges in Burlington require help from legal counsel who can assess the situation and help you understand exactly what is likely to happen.
Your Life Could Be Disrupted for Some Time
Are you prepared to find alternate ways to get to and from work? How about taking care of simple errands like trips to the supermarket? What will you do if someone calls and invites you to dinner on the spur of the moment?
Not being allowed to drive will affect your life in more ways than you realize. There will be no more grabbing the keys and heading out whenever you feel like it. Getting to work could mean leaving early so you can catch the bus and make your connections. Meeting friends means checking bus schedules or hoping that the cab you called shows up on time. If you think these are minor inconveniences, try getting around town using these methods for a week. That should be enough to make you see how difficult life without a car can be.
Not Everything Can Be Undone
In the best-case scenario, the outcome of your decision to drive under the influence does not affect other people. If you are stopped by the authorities before a car crash occurs or you hit a pedestrian, count yourself lucky. Not everyone has been so fortunate.
Consider what your life would be like if someone sustained a permanent injury thanks to your poor decision. What if you cause the death of another human being? Events like these cannot be undone, no matter what you do. Instead of living with the knowledge that you caused pain and grief for others, be responsible and don’t get behind the wheel.
You Will Regret the Decision For a Long Time
As with any type of major crime, you’ll find that drunk driving is not something that you can fix in a few days or weeks. There will be additional consequences in the years to come. Just as you would regret an act of violence that led to charges and the need to hire Richmond Hill assault lawyers to defend you, driving while under the influence will mean seeking legal counsel who can help you with the immediate issues. After that, there will still be plenty of other factors that it could take a lifetime to work through.
The best choice is to not get behind the wheel if you’ve imbibed a little more than is reasonable. If you do make that mistake, seek legal counsel immediately. In the days ahead, you will need someone who can help you deal with the legal ramifications and make it possible for you to seek help with what follows after the court has rendered a decision.
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