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Getting divorced is a stressful time for most people even if their divorce is of the amicable variety. Getting a DUI on top of that not only adds to the emotional toll a divorce can take, but may have practical implications as well. Following are just four of the ways that a DUI arrest can potentially impact your upcoming divorce.
Financial Losses
Getting a DUI has the potential to create significant financial difficulties in your life just by virtue of the directly associated costs alone. You may be required to complete a course of substance abuse treatment as a condition of your probation, and these programs generally come with a very hefty price tag. Fines for DUIs in most jurisdictions are also fairly steep.
Loss of Driving Privileges
Losing driving privileges can make your life harder in many ways, all of which have the potential to affect your upcoming divorce case. For instance, just getting back and forth from work is more difficult if you don't have access to good personal transportation, and you could lose income and hours as a result. You also won't be able to take on family-related driving responsibilities such as driving you children to medical appointments, sports practice, and other necessary activities, which could have a significant impact on the way the judge views any petition for child custody on your part that may be a part of the picture. Even if you haven't filed for full custody, you may have trouble being granted joint or other partial custody if you're struggling with the aftermath of getting a DUI.
One of the other conundrums faced by many of those who get a DUI is that transportation to and from these required treatment programs becomes a serious challenge, particularly for those who live outside the reach of a good public transportation system.
Child Custody Issues
In addition to the child custody related issues already mentioned specific to the loss of normal driving privileges, the judge may consider your DUI as an indication that you've got substance issues that cast shadows on your ability as a parent. Keep in mind that courts consider the ability to meet the daily needs of the children first and foremost in custody decisions, and even if your DUI is a one-off situation that doesn't reflect who you are as a person, the judge may see things differently.
Possible Job Loss
Another possibility faced by those with recent DUI arrests is the possibility of losing their job. If your job entails driving a company vehicle, for instance, you may not be able to be covered under your job's insurance policy with a recent DUI on your record. If your work is done primarily behind the wheel, such as being a truck driver, you probably won't be able to continue doing that job after getting a DUI.
You also risk losing your job if your personal vehicle is your main form of transportation to and from your job. It is also possible that your employer will consider a DUI conviction reason to let you go as a matter of general principle, particularly if other substance abuse issues have occurred in the past. For instance, if you've missed a noticeable amount of work due to being hungover, your boss may take the DUI as a sign it's time to cut you loose. Keep in mind that because a DUI is a matter of public record, there is no sure way to keep your employer from finding out.
Although a good DUI attorney can't make the above issues completely go away, he or she can help you navigate the legal system in a way that hopefully minimizes the negative impacts of the situation.
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