If you are charged or convicted of DUI in Mississippi, it could change the trajectory of your entire life. Depending on the facts of your case, you could spend time in jail. Even if you aren’t sentenced to jail or prison time, a DUI might make your life more difficult than you were expecting. Here are some areas of your life that could be affected.
Housing or education
Landlords generally have the right to decline applications submitted by individuals who have been convicted of DUI or any other crimes. A college or university may also be within its rights to expel a student who gets into legal trouble. They may also decline applications from those who have been charged or convicted with a crime such as DUI. Without a place to stay or a quality education, your employment options may be limited.
Certificates and licensure
Your current employer may terminate your employment if you no longer have a valid license as a result of a DUI conviction. If you work as a commercial driver, you may be subject to suspension if you are charged or convicted of DUI. Even if you don’t need a clean license as a condition of employment, a lack of access to reliable transportation can be a significant hurdle to overcome. As a general rule, companies want workers with clean licenses because hiring individuals with prior records of traffic law violations can be a liability risk.
If you are charged with DUI, it may be possible to have it dropped or reduced. This may enable you to avoid significant penalties as well as reduce the likelihood that you will be denied housing, an education or a job. In the event that a charge is dropped, it may be possible to have it sealed.