Hidden Costs Of DWI
When you are arrested for DWI, there are more costs than the time that is taken away from you for being arrested, booked, and put in a jail cell. You may also have to pay monetary fines, pay with more of your time, and also deal with some “hidden costs” that you may never think about. It is important that you know about all of the consequences that come with DWI so that you know what to expect if you’re arrested and convicted.
Minnesota State Law
The state of Minnesota is one of the states to criminalize DWI. Not only is it upsetting to be arrested for DWI, but even more upsetting that the crime has the potential to be a felony depending on certain circumstances surrounding your case. For instance, if you have been arrested for DWI three times before within the past 10 years, then you could be facing a felony. This seriously impacts you and also impacts your family. As a matter of fact, rifts can be created in your family, so it is important that you contact a DWI defense attorney as soon as possible.
Employment Penalties
In addition to your loved ones being hurt and upset, you could also put your employment on the line. Some employers have clauses that state that you are to never be convicted of a DWI during the time of your employment. If you are, you can either be demoted, moved to another department, or you could lose your job completely. Such instances are common in a job when part of your duties is driving a company vehicle. Companies prefer clean driving records because of insurance reasons.
However, it isn’t just your current employment that is at stake or how your family feels about the situation, but future employment can be compromised as well. For instance, you may be terminated from a job because of your DWI, but what you may find is that finding a new job is a challenge as well. Many companies do background checks. When they find a DWI on your record, they may decline to hire you. It does not matter if you are applying for a job in which you need to drive a company vehicle. An employer can make other presumptions about you based on this detail.
Other Hidden Costs
You’ve probably heard of how employment can be affected, but what you may not know is that you may have difficulty obtaining auto insurance. And if you do obtain auto insurance, it may be very expensive. Other hidden costs include:
Revocation or suspension of your license
Electronic home monitoring
Work release
Jail costs
Health insurance premium increases for alcohol consumption
Not being able to enter foreign countries
Difficulties in obtaining disability insurance or life insurance
These are all reasons that prove the importance of finding a good DWI lawyer to take on your case and try to avoid as many of these hidden costs as possible. There are some costs that may not be able to be diminished, such as the impact on your family.
DWI Attorneys Minneapolis & Minnesota DWI Lawyers
If you or someone you know has been arrested with a DWI charge, it is important to speak to a skilled DWI defense lawyer who can handle your situation with the utmost experience and dedication. Our DWI attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and handle all court appearances to guide you through the criminal justice system. Protect your rights. If you have questions regarding your DWI charges contact our attorneys for a free consultation at (952) 797-7464.
Our Minnesota DWI defense lawyers represent clients throughout Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Anoka County, Scott County, Washington County, Sherburne County, and beyond. We represent clients throughout the Twin Cities including Minneapolis, St Paul, Anoka, Andover, Blaine, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Center, Burnsville, Bloomington, Coon Rapids, Champlin, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Maplegrove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville, White Bear Lake and Woodbury.
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