The crime of driving under the influence is a serious conviction. Often, people don't understand just how serious the charge is until they find themselves in the middle of a legal battle. Even then, it's often misunderstood just how significant and long-lasting the consequences of a DUI conviction are. Learning some of the harsh consequences that come along with this conviction can help highlight just how important legal representation is.

Home and Health Insurance Increase

When most people think about an insurance increase surrounding a DUI conviction, they only think car insurance. A conviction can also cause your health insurance to increase. All insurance companies based their premium rates on risk factors. The greater the risk, the greater the cost to extend coverage.

Insurance companies consider individuals who get behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence to have poor decision making skills. These poor decision making skills translate as a high risk for an accident, causing you to pay more. While the increase might not be significant, over the life of the policy, even a small increase can cost a lot of money.

Loss of Professional License

Having a DUI conviction also places any professional licenses you hold at risk. Lawyers, doctors, teachers and other specialty careers don't just require educational training, but they also come along with the responsibility of holding a professional license.

Many of the governing organizations that issue these licenses consider your criminal record when approving or denying a license. A DUI conviction places a mark on your criminal history. Depending on the regulations, even a single conviction is enough for you to lose your license. If you need this license to perform your job, this could result in job loss.

Don't Fight Alone

If you have been charged with a DUI, don't fight alone. An attorney will work with your case to ensure that you are treated fairly. If you aren't guilty of the charge, an attorney will work hard to clear your name and prevent you from being subjected to these harsh penalties. If a lapse in judgment caused you to mistakenly commit this violation, an attorney can still work hard to help you avoid these harsh consequences by seeking an alternative sentencing program.

When it comes to a DUI, prevention is the best way to avoid the harsh penalties that come along with a conviction. Always think before you get behind the wheel. For more information, contact the Law Offices of Daniel Aaronson or a similar firm.