While sometimes seen by the public as a traffic offense offense, there is no question that a DUI conviction can have significant, and wide ranging, impacts on a person.

Some of these may be readily apparent, but many times there are many severe repercussions not anticipated or expected.

The consequences of conviction more commonly known by those charged with a DUI, include:
-A period of incarceration
-A significant fine, ranging up to thousands of dollars
-Probation that can at times range up to 5 years, and include various requirements of regular reporting to a probation agent and drug/alcohol testing
-Loss of the ability to drive for an extended period of time

The consequences of conviction not as commonly know by those charged with a DUI, include:

-loss of security clearance needed for work (this can also include those who do work for a contractor that requires them to enter into building or areas requiring security clearance)
-loss of employment because of loss commercial driving license needed for work, or the employers insurance company will not prohibit a person with a DUI conviction to be insured even on passenger vehicles
-loss of employment because employer does not wish to have someone with criminal conviction working for them (even when driving is not a requirement)
-inability to travel to some countries (Some countries, such as Canada, will even prohibit someone from entering the country if convicted of a DUI)
-inability to obtain professional licensing/professional licensing discipline (many times individuals may be denied a professional license, or disciplined if they already have one, based on a DUI conviction as it is a criminal offense)
-increased costs for auto, life, and even health insurance are all possible given that you will be deemed a higher risk
-inability to rent an automobile when traveling on business
-denial of entry into colleges and professional schools, or suspension from such     institutions

Accordingly, when deciding the importance of obtaining an experienced DUI attorney, and the costs associated with that, remember that there are some consequences involved with a DUI conviction that are life long.