A DUI conviction and arrest poses financial and social consequences that can significantly affect your mental health. It can take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being. Having a DUI record can impact your whole life in general.
In Florida, a DUI charge has harsh consequences that, apart from affecting your personal, financial and work life, can also cause an emotional toll on you. It can be traumatic for anyone who is convicted and arrested for DUI.
If you have been pulled over for a DUI, you will most likely go through a cycle of various emotions that can distress you. The pressure of impending court deadlines and making a sound decision that will ultimately affect your freedom and future may prevent you from having a good night's sleep.
Here are some of the psychological effects when facing a conviction or arrest relating to DUI:
Severe Stress
Being convicted with a DUI charge is in itself stressful by nature. You are constantly worrying about how it will go and the things you need to deal with, especially on the legal side.
The most challenging part is that you have to continuously function like normal when dealing with stress because life does not stop after the arrest. You have work to do, deadlines to meet, bills to pay, and on top of it all, a DUI case to take care of.
You go through a stage where you start to imagine all the worst-case scenarios of your court case and the impact of a DUI conviction in your life as a general. You will feel guilty for what you did and think about the day of your DUI and reconsider all the choices you made. In other words, there are a lot of scenarios playing in your head before you have been pulled over for being suspected of driving under the influence.
Another source of severe stress is when you are charged with DUI because you refuse the breath test. That is the reason why you should request a Formal Review within ten days of your DUI arrest in Polk County and fight the administrative suspension of your license.
No wonder many people have trouble sleeping through the night and are always on edge after getting arrested for DUI.
Depression
An unfortunate truth about DUI cases is that some people fall into a state of depression. Financial problems, loss of independence, too much stress and constant worrying of the possible personal and professional implications of the conviction contribute to feelings of self-loathing and depression.
The penalties that come with a DUI may lead to loneliness. Even after you have paid the price of a DUI, you may go through a period of sadness where you isolate yourself from others and focus on your past.
Many DUI offenders tend to pull away from friends, family, and social situations because of shame. Having no one to talk to and share your concerns with makes it harder for you to shake off your negative thoughts and move on.
It may be easier said than done, but you should think about your future instead of dwelling on the mistake you made days, weeks, or months ago.
Loss of Independence
Public transportation is not the most convenient way to get around, especially if you live quite far away from your workplace. Having your driving privileges revoked and your license suspended can make you feel like you've lost a part of your freedom and independence.
Losing access to their vehicle for a period of time may not be a big deal for some people, but for others, it can be a very stressful predicament that affects different aspects of their lives.
A DUI conviction affects your mental health because it can make you feel stuck in a problem you can't get out of. When you don't feel like you have the freedom to go to work or run simple errands on your own, it can start to weigh you down.
In case your license got suspended, you can have a temporary permit to drive for "business purposes". It is a driving privilege that is limited to any driving necessary to maintain livelihood, including driving to and from work, necessary on the job driving, driving for educational purposes, and driving for Church and for medical purposes.
If you’d like more information on how a DUI conviction affects your mental health, speak with crime defense attorney Thomas C. Grajek.
Financial Woes
Financial stress is one of the most common struggles that DUI offenders face. It is also one of the leading causes of severe anxiety and depression among DUI offenders.
A DUI arrest can cost at least a few thousand dollars in court costs, attorney fees, punitive fines, and DUI school, among others. The cost of a DUI in the United States can range anywhere from $4,000-$17,000.
Even if you have a good-paying job, having to pay for such a massive amount of unforeseen costs can be financially debilitating. But if you are the type of person who is getting by and living paycheck to paycheck, a DUI can be disastrous.
Many people charged with DUI said that the financial burden from arrest gave them countless sleepless nights. It is one of the most stressful things that you have had to deal with. People charged with DUI often cite that the financial stress of the arrest was the most devastating part.
Contact DUI Defense Attorney Thomas C. Grajek Today!
As the nature of humans, we are fallible and bound to commit mistakes. Sometimes, it is the emotions that are ruling our mind, denying us of making good and sound decisions.
Coping up with the after-effects of a DUI arrest may not be as easy to do, but you can start with the small things. Exercise and eat healthy. Stay away from alcohol and get support from family and friends.
Most importantly, contact a DUI attorney for legal help. In this way, you will be more confident going into trial, knowing that you have someone who can help you with your situation. They can also provide you with local resources to help you deal with mental and emotional stress.
Contact a DUI attorney today!
The Psychological Effects of A DUI Arrest and Conviction FAQs
Does Florida recognize mandatory adjudications?
Mandatory adjudications for DUI in Florida exist, and judges are not allowed to withhold adjudication. Therefore, if you plead to a DUI, you must be convicted, and the judge can’t reduce a DUI charge to a lesser DUI if your BAC was .15 or higher.
How can a DUI ruin your life?
A DUI can ruin your life by losing your license and going on probation. Aside from these, you will face additional court fees and fines. There are other consequences also such as a suspended sentence and possibly community service or jail time. You might also have to deal with lost time at work, and this will need to be managed to make sure that a DUI does not impact your job.
How do you deal with a DUI emotionally?
One way you can effectively deal with a DUI emotionally is to seek support from your family and friends. The next best thing you can do is hire the best DUI attorney. Get the attorney you can trust who can make the necessary moves for your case’s best outcome.
Is a DUI the end of my life?
No, DUI is not the end of your life. However, a DUI can cause issues after you get convicted with it. If it is your first DUI conviction, it is more than likely a misdemeanor rather than a felony. There is a meaningful distinction because there are jobs that do not require security clearance and usually only ask about a felony conviction.
What are the probable causes for an officer to pull you over?
The most common violations that may give an officer probable cause to pull you over include broken tail light or burned out headlight, broke windshield, broken or missed driver side mirror, no front license plate, rear-end license plate light doesn’t work, tinted cover over your license plate, and expired or missing registration tags.
What is the rising blood alcohol defense?
This defense is often used since breath tests are typically performed at the police station after the arrest. The inspection, travel, and waiting time may cause your BAC level to rise from where it was when you were driving. So, even if you blow over the legal limit of .08%, that does not necessarily mean that your BAC level was over the limit when you were driving.