If you were recently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Oakland, then you will be interested in understanding the short and long-term consequences of a DUI conviction. If this is your first offense, you probably have a lot of questions.
Since there is so much to DUI, we are specifically going to address how a DUI impacts different aspects of your life, many of which you are probably NOT aware of. We encourage you to continue reading and if you have further questions, please contact our office directly – we are glad to advise you!
1. A DUI stays on your driving record for 10 years. Once you are convicted of DUI, it will remain on your driving record for 10 years. However, a DUI conviction stays on your criminal record indefinitely.
2. A DUI can bar you from travelling to Canada. Canadians don’t like tourists to enter their country with a criminal conviction that can be prosecuted as a felony in their country. Since a DUI can be prosecuted as a felony in both countries, a recent DUI conviction in the U.S. can bar you from travelling to Canada.
3. A DUI with injury is a “wobbler” in California. A wobbler means it can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the facts of the case. If you are in a DUI accident and someone else is injured, you could face misdemeanor or felony charges. If it’s prosecuted as a felony, it can count as a “strike” under California’s three strikes law.
4. A DUI can affect child custody. If you are in the middle of a divorce or a child custody battle, a recent DUI can certainly affect child custody, especially if your ex uses it as fuel against you in family court. If your child was in the vehicle at the time of your DUI arrest, you face child endangerment charges and you can count on it posing a problem for the judge handling your case.
5. For a first DUI, you can ask for a restricted driver’s license. If you are arrested for DUI and it was your first offense and there were no aggravating factors, you can ask for a restricted driver license. However, you cannot apply until a 30-day mandatory waiting period passes and you must complete DUI School and carry special insurance.
6. A felony or drug-related DUI can lead to deportation. Usually, a simple first DUI won’t affect immigration status, but a felony DUI, multiple DUIs, a drug-related DUI, or a DUI involving serious bodily injuries or death can lead to removal proceedings (deportation).
7. You can get a DUI for driving on lawfully prescribed medications. Under 23152(e), it’s illegal for any person who is under the influence of any drug, including lawfully prescribed prescription medications to drive. Since dozens of prescription medications affect concentration, balance and coordination, and alertness, many of today’s DUIs involve prescription drugs.
Arrested for DUI in the Oakland area? Contact the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed for an aggressive defense. Call now to schedule your free consultation!