The Psychological Effects of DUI Arrest and Conviction

A looming DUI conviction can weigh heavy on anyone. The legal implications of the arrest alone can have long-term consequences and may even jeopardize a person’s financial and employment opportunities.
 
Being arrested for DUI is often the first time for many people – young adults, especially – to get in trouble with the law. Many first-time DUI offenders have no criminal history, and for them, just thinking about the impacts of a conviction on their future can cause endless anxiety.

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Repercussions of A DUI Arrest

The severity of the penalties and sanctions of a DUI conviction may vary depending on the state you’re in and number of offenses, but the most likely punishments you will face may include any or all of the following:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Driver’s license suspension
• Driving restrictions
• Possible ignition interlock device installation

 
If you’re someone living from paycheck to paycheck, the mere thought of the fines you have to pay and loss of income (should you need to serve jail time) would be enough to get you all worked up. For most people, though, it’s the realization that their life could change forever that disturbs them the most.

How A DUI Arrest and Conviction Can Affect Your Mental Health

The impacts of a DUI arrest on a person’s mental health can be more damaging than it’s legal and financial consequences.
 
Financial Worries
One of the most common issues that DUI offenders struggle with is financial stress. A DUI arrest can cost you at least a few thousand dollars in court costs, attorney fees, punitive fines, and DUI school, among others. Even if you have a good paying job, having to pay for such a huge amount of unforeseen costs can be financially debilitating.
 
A lot of people charged with DUI claim that the financial burden from arrest gave them countless sleepless nights and is one of the most stressful things they have had to deal with.

Loss of Independence
Public transportation isn’t 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.

Severe Stress
There are a lot of things about a DUI arrest that’s stressful, and constantly worrying about them can really take its toll on you. Worse, you have to continuously function like normal while dealing with all the 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.

No wonder a lot of people have trouble sleeping and are always on edge after getting arrested for DUI.

Depression
Sad, but true: some people fall into a state of depression after a DUI arrest. Financial problems, loss of independence, too much stress, and constant worrying of the possible personal and professional implications of the conviction – all these contribute to the feelings of self-loathing and depression.
 
In addition, many DUI offenders also tend to pull away from friends, family, and social situations because of shame. Having no one to talk to and share their concerns with makes it harder for them to shake off their negative thoughts and move on.

Coping with The Psychological Effects of Being Arrested for Driving Under the Influence

What makes DUI arrests so unnerving is the feeling of uncertainty that accompanies it.

Am I going to win the case? Am I going to get convicted? Will I lose my job? What will my friends and family say?

Fear the outcome and its consequences can keep the offender agitated and negatively affect their mental health.
 
Thankfully, it’s not that hard to cope with the after-effects of a DUI arrest: Exercise and eat healthy. Stay away from alcohol. Keep your family and friends close -- their support will help you get through these trying times.
 
Most importantly, hire legal help. Working with an experienced criminal defense & DUI attorney will increase your chances of tipping the scales in your favor. You’ll feel much more confident going into trial when you come prepared.
 
Like all negative experiences in life, this too shall pass. The consequences of a DUI conviction may be harsh, but you won’t have to endure them forever.