In addition to the jail and monetary penalties listed on the penalty table, there are a host of collateral consequences that are automatic and life- long. A DUI or DUAC conviction is permanent.
CRIMINAL RECORD
There is no way to hide the fact that you've been convicted. On the day or night of the arrest the charge is entered into a national criminal information database. When a conviction results, the record is updated to document the conviction date and sentence. Thereafter, any prospective employer, school, professional licensing authority or charitable organization that requires a criminal history check will learn of the conviction. The criminal record may be held against you and eliminate you form consideration or eligibility for opportunities in the future.
DRIVING RECORD
Proof of the conviction is sent to the DMV and entered upon your driving record. That entry is permanent. Many drivers operate under the assumption that violations simply vanish after ten years. That illusion arises from the fact that driving records available for purchase reflect only ten years of driving history rather than a life-time history.
HIGH RISK INSURANCE
Any driver eligible for reinstatement of their driver's license after being convicted of DUI are required to obtain SR-22 Insurance. This high risk insurance is tied directly to the driver's license in that the lapse of this insurance within the mandatory coverage period will result in the automatic suspension of the driver's license.
LICENSE SUSPENSION
Every DUI or DUAC conviction causes a mandatory driver's license suspension. The length of the suspension period is controlled by the number of DUI or DUAC convictions within the previous ten years. Though there are enhanced suspension periods for convictions within a certain time frame.
IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE
If convicted of DUI or DUAC more than once within ten years, once eligible for reinstatement of your license, you will be required to have an ignition interlock installed on your vehicle at your own expense. This devise will prompt the driver to provide a breath sample prior to starting the vehicle and again at random times during the time that the engine is running.
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS
Some countries will not allow a non-citizen with a DUI conviction to enter their country. Anyone with a DUI conviction should make inquiry prior to making plans to travel to any other country.
PROBATION
Any once convicted of DUI or DUAC 2nd offence or greater may be placed on probation after a conviction. A probation agent will be assigned to supervise the probationer while they complete certain requirements during the probation period. The probationer has to pay for the costs of this supervision.
VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND LICENSE PLATE SUSPENSION
Anyone convicted of DUI or DUAC more than once within ten years is required to surrender the registration and license plate for any vehicle registered in their name. This includes vehicles registered jointly with anyone else.
