Being convicted of an OWI can have a serious impact on your life. However, you may spend your time worrying about the short-term consequences like potential time in jail.
This is not uncommon, but it is not the only thing you need to focus on, either.
Having an OWI on record
BACtrack discusses some of the long-term consequences of an OWI conviction. These often have even more of an impact on a person’s life than the initial fines or time in jail.
For example, having an OWI on record can impact your ability to find a new job. Many jobs do not accept applicants with a criminal history related to drunk driving. In particular, this includes jobs working with children like teachers, government positions, and jobs that require a commercial driver’s license.
Issues with transportation
Dealing with matters of transportation is often harder, too. Even if you do not face a license suspension period, the OWI will stay on your record. This will potentially increase your car insurance premium, which could cost you a lot of money. It may even force you to turn to public transportation as a way to save costs.
It may even affect your housing options. Though it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate based on criminal record, that does not mean they will not prioritize potential applicants without one.
With all of these difficulties combined, it can take a long time to get back on your feet after an OWI arrest or jail sentence. Moving forward with an OWI will take a lot of time.
