What Can Happen If I’m Convicted of Driving Under the Influence?

If you’re arrested for driving under the influence, the first move you should make is to retain the services of a DUI lawyer in Toronto. With the aid of your lawyer, it’s possible to prepare a defense and hopefully keep the consequences to a minimum. Even under the best of circumstances, there will be some repercussions if you’re convicted. Here are some possible scenarios if this happens to be your first offense.

Definitely Fines

A conviction will mean that you will need to pay some sort of fine. In most jurisdictions, there are minimum fines that will apply in any situation. The court also has discretion to impose stiffer fines if the case involves certain elements, like a higher blood alcohol content (BAC) reading. Your lawyers can help you understand what sort of fines the court might impost based on the specifics of the case.

Taking Driver Safety Courses

Many jurisdictions will place some limitations on your driving privileges. It may be possible to regain those privileges if you attend and successfully complete driver safety courses. Not any old course will do; you must take courses that are approved by the court. Once you successfully complete them, the institution will provide confirmation to the court. At that point, you can request the restoration of your driving privileges.

Having the Car Outfitted with a Breathalyzer

The court may require that you have a breathalyzer installed in the car. It’s connected to the ignition system. Before the engine will turn over, you must provide a breath sample and it must indicate that you don’t have a BAC over a certain limit. If you do, the ignition will not turn. That breathalyzer will remain in place until the court determines that it’s no longer needed.

Possibility of Jail Time

Even with all the above, you may be required to spend some time behind bars. This is another area in which the specifics of your case make a big difference. Based on what current laws require of the court, it may be possible to receive a sentence of time served, although the other requirements remain the same.

Consequences in the Future

These are the more likely outcomes immediately after the conviction. Once they are resolved, there may still be a number of different DUI consequences that you will face for a long time. For example, your auto insurance premiums are likely to increase. You may not be eligible for certain types of promotions at work. Should you find yourself needing to look for a new job in the future, your record may motivate some employers to pass you over in favor of an applicant with similar skills and no criminal history.

While some of these later consequences may fade over time, others could remain with you for the rest of your life. Keep that in mind if you’re out and find yourself tempted to get near your car after having one drink too many. Call a friend, a cab, or a rideshare to get home instead. In the morning, you’ll be glad that you did.