A DUI or Driving under the Influence charge is much more serious of an event than most people think. Especially in Los Angeles and the Southern California area, where driving is a large part of one’s daily life. The common thought amongst most people is that a DUI is not a serious crime and is more of a traffic violation. The reality is that it is as serious as any other crime and the penalties associated with it might even come with a heavier burden and price tag.

A DUI is something that can happen to any person and in most cases is a crime that is charged to those members of the community that are least likely to be involved in any criminal matter. Hence, a DUI can happen to anyone. Therefore, DUI’s are crimes that occur with greater frequency than other crimes in our society. For this reason, law enforcement and government policy have been more stringent on the penalties it imposes on the offenders.

So how does a DUI affect a Southern Californian? The mere nature of the infrastructure in the Greater Los Angeles area and Southern California requires one to use a personal vehicle for transportation more than other metropolitan areas. As well, due to the size of the city, Southern Californians are prone to commute longer distances than most other cities, putting them more situations where they have to make a judgment of whether they are able to drive after consuming alcoholic beverages. As well as placing many Los Angeles drivers in a higher risk of encountering a drunk driver. Therefore, stopping drunk drivers is an objective of high priority for local law enforcement agencies.

If a driver is convicted of a DUI in Los Angeles, the penalties will have great and lasting effects on them. For one, the DUI offender will face criminal charges. A conviction in a criminal court can impose a sentence involving jail time, alcohol programs, drug programs, community service, Cal Trans work, etc. The court will make a decision based on the circumstances of the case. A conviction by the criminal court will appear on the defendant’s criminal record.

A DUI will also affect one’s driver license privileges. A separate hearing by the DMV (California Department of Motor Vehicles) will determine whether restrictions on one’s driver license should be placed. After reviewing the evidence on the matter and testimony by the arresting officer, the DMV can either leave the license in tact without restrictions, suspend for a certain amount of time, revoke the license, or make the license restrictive for driving to and from work. Losing a driving license in Los Angeles is a greater burden than any other place, as it may affect how you get to work and public transportation isn’t always a possibility in LA. Any infraction on ones license can have a severe impact on their way in life in Los Angeles.

A DUI will also have some serious financial burdens to the one arrested. Between court fines, and programs required and attorney’s fees, a DUI will cost several thousands of dollars. This is not including any cost associated with higher insurance premiums.

A DUI can affect other factors as employment. A DUI shows on your criminal record which is in many circumstances is requested by potential employers. Many employers view a DUI as a testament to one’s responsibility and reliability. Therefore, a DUI can also cost someone a potential employment opportunity.

With all the possible burdening effects a DUI can have on a individual, it is in one’s best interest to at the least consult a experienced DUI Lawyer. A knowledgeable Los Angeles DUI Lawyer can either dismiss your case if the circumstances are there or minimize the potential charges and infractions on your license, saving you more money in the long run.