Often when people think about the penalties for drinking and driving, they only think about the legal consequences of the conviction. The legal consequences of a DUI conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, safety and alcohol school, and sometimes the use of an ignition interlock device. However, the non-legal consequences of a DUI conviction can be just as devastating.

The non-legal consequences for being convicted of a DUI can be many. Legal records are public information and in addition to the general embarrassment an individual may feel, some towns and cities may publish the names of those convicted of a crime in the local newspaper. Further, if you are a college student or thinking about education beyond high school, a DUI conviction may impact your ability to receive federal financial aid.

The majority of us have to work to earn a living, and DUI conviction may impact your future job search. Some employers require a criminal background check, and many employers may not hire a person with a certain criminal history, especially for positions related to the handling of money. While a first-time drinking and driving conviction in Pennsylvania is not a felony, it may still appear on a background check.

If your job requires the trust of the public, a DUI conviction or even a DUI arrest may negatively impact your job and career. Recently, the Jersey Shore Area School Board voted unanimously to suspend the Jersey Shore school district’s superintendent. At the end of April the superintendent was pulled over for drinking and driving in Northumberland County. Police alleged the superintendent’s blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit. At the time of publication, the superintendent’s case had not gone to court. Regardless of conviction, the board suspended the superintendent from his duties for 15 days without pay.

Since the non-legal consequences of a drinking and driving charge can be just as serious as the legal consequences, it is important that a prosecutor correctly prove his or her case. An experienced criminal defense attorney can guide an individual arrested for DUI through legal proceedings and help mitigate repercussions where possible.

Source: necn.com, “Pennsylvania Superintendent Suspended After DUI Charges,” May 30, 2012