When you make the decision to use intoxicating substances before getting behind the wheel of a car in Colorado, you increase your risk of being charged with a DUI. While the short-term impacts include a ticket or spending time in jail, there are some long-term impacts that you should consider.
Revocation of your license
Although one DUI/DWAI charge might not result in too many points on your license, multiple charges could result in your license being revoked. It could last for a few years or permanently depending on the circumstances. This means that you won’t be able to legally drive anywhere and that you would need to rely on other people or public transportation just to take you to work, to run errands, or to social activities.
Your job
Even if you only have one DUI charge, an employer will see this information. You can try to explain the situation and show that you made a mistake, but there are some employers who have a zero-tolerance policy for this type of charge. If you’re currently working, then you’ll likely need to take time away from your job to go to court or to attend any classes that are ordered, which means a loss of hours and income.
Housing
Sometimes, a landlord might look at your criminal record before deciding to let you rent a home. A DUI charge could result in the landlord choosing not to rent the home to you, especially if you have multiple charges or another crime was involved at the time.
Before using illegal substances and driving, consider the impacts that the decision could have on your personal and professional life.
