There was a time, many years ago, when drunk driving was viewed more as a nuisance than a crime. A time when people pulled over after having a few too many were warned by concerned officers to “be careful getting home” and punishment was rarely anything more than a slap on the wrist. But those days are long gone. Nowadays, if you’re pulled over in Michigan for operating while intoxicated, you’re looking at thousands in fines and fees, and perhaps  months in jail, if not years in prison.

So if you haven’t updated your mindset about DUIs in decades…

You need to get on that! And not just because you may be headed for a stint behind bars. Aside from jail or prison time, there are LOTS of other ways that DUIs can have a very negative impact on your future here in Michigan. For example:

• Having a DUI on your record can affect the college or university you attend:

College admissions are seriously competitive these days, and you can be denied entrance to the school of your dreams for all sorts of reasons. One of those reasons is a criminal conviction, which includes a DUI. And don’t think about trying to hide it – lying on your college admission paperwork will result in a refusal if they find out before admission, and an expulsion after the fact!

• Having a DUI on your record can limit your future job prospects:

Many jobs these days require background checks as part of the hiring process, which means your prospective employer is going to find out about your DUI even before they meet you. Which might mean they never meet you, because many jobs will pass on your application without a second thought if you’ve got a criminal history.

• Having a DUI on your record can affect your future travel plans:

There are many countries that will refuse to allow you to cross their border if you’re a convicted criminal. Even if the conviction is nothing more than a misdemeanor DUI, it can still strip you of all kinds of exciting travel opportunities in the future. Places like Canada, Australia, Japan, Iran, New Zealand, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates can all turn you away for that old drunk driving conviction.

• Having a DUI on your record will affect your auto insurance rates:

Michigan has some of the nations highest auto insurance rates, which means that if you live here, you already pay an arm and a leg to insure your car. But a DUI could easily make a bad thing worse. Drivers who’ve been convicted of a DUI are often considered “high-risk” by insurance companies, so after a DUI conviction, your car insurance rates will likely double or even triple!

Don’t lose your future choices to a DUI!

As we point out regularly to our readers, the best way to avoid having to deal with all of the drama and red tape that comes with having a DUI, is to not drink and drive! However, for those of you who’ve made a mistake, or misjudged your own limitations, our experienced Michigan drunk driving lawyers are here to help you protect your reputation and your future. Call The Kronzek Firm at 866 766 5245 (866 7No Jail) at any time of day or night. An attorney is standing by to take your call.