More details to this question:
I was arrested for drunk driving. If convicted, how will this affect me going to grad school and traveling outside of the US?
14 ANSWERS
Theodore W. Robinson
First, before simply accepting that since you were arrested, that's the final outcome, consider defending yourself with the help of an experienced attorney. There are many problems with the DA gaining a conviction, so don't just give up and roll over for the prosecutor.
If you are convicted, however, you will be convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor, which can carry with it as much as a year in jail, 3 years on Probation and/or a $1000. fine and surcharges are additional. You license will also be revoked and you'll have to go through a drunk drivers course and lots more. So don't give up yet.
As for future endeavors, it will mean you have a criminal conviction which you will have to disclose to employers and schools if they ask. So don't give up without a fight. Good luck.
Answered on Mar 10th, 2011 at 4:40 PM
Personal Injury Attorney serving New Orleans, LA
at
Bloom Legal LLC
Update Your Profile
It would depend largely upon the specific details of your case and whether or not your ultimate conviction is for felony or misdemeanor DUI. This would be influenced by the factors of your defense strategy but as a general rule, if convicted of a felony, you will likely be required to report it on future job and school applications. That being said, there are a number of factors that can influence your ability to avoid conviction and/or have a conviction expunged from your record in the future. If you are seeking representation in this matter in the state of Louisiana, we invite you to contact our firm at the information on this page for a free case evaluation to determine whether or not we would be able to help you.
Answered on Mar 10th, 2011 at 4:33 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Howell, MI
at
Law Offices of Jules N. Fiani
Update Your Profile
A DUI can have implications regarding your future for school and/or work. That is why it is of the highest importance to retain an attorney that can work for you to potentially have it removed or find a outcome that can help your future. It varies on a case by case basis so your question requires more information. Please call me at one of my numbers listed below so I can gather more information and provide a more specific and detailed response.
Answered on Mar 10th, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Litigation Attorney serving Kalispell, MT
at
Law Offices of Scott G. Hilderman PC
Update Your Profile
Some countries like Canada will bar foreign visitors who have been convicted of DUIs. You would need to check with the appropriate countries that you would want to travel to to see what restrictions they would have upon your entry. You would also need to check with the applicable graduate program for any issues related to a DUI conviction.
Answered on Mar 09th, 2011 at 2:42 PM
Criminal Trial Attorney serving San Jose, CA
at
Law Office of Thomas F. Mueller
Update Your Profile
No effect on grad school, but perhaps an effect on employment after that.It should have no effect on overseas travel.
Answered on Mar 09th, 2011 at 2:36 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Seattle, WA
at
Mercado & Hartung, PLLC
Update Your Profile
A DUI conviction has serious mandatory consequences. If convicted, you are subject at a minimum to 1 day in jail, $866.00 fine, 90 day license suspension, 5 years of probation, SR-22 insurance for 3 years, alcohol evaluation, ADIS class, DUI Victims Impact Panel, 1 year of an ignition interlock device. Additionally, some employers (specifically jobs that require you to drive) will not hire you, and you would also be barred entry into Canada (as of now no other countries restrict your entry) These consequences can be significantly lessened if your charge is amended to a non-DUI charge. An experienced DUI attorney can review your case with you and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case as well as the potential for an amendment. It is worth your time to at least set up a consultation with one. Best of Luck.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 1:15 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Birmingham, MI
at
Daniel J. Larin, P.C.
Update Your Profile
A conviction for drunk driving may keep you out of many foreign countries. Canada for instance will block you for at least 5 years unless you go to court in Canada to get a special clearance. Most grad schools do not care about an isolated DUI, however, in a competitive market, a DUI could be the tipping point to keep you from being accepted. Medical schools usually do not accept students with a DUI at least at the higher tier schools. Most people do not think about the long term implications of a conviction. It is for this reason that I always tell people that they must hire a "good" attorney. Not just one who is going to hold you hand while you plead guilty but one that will look at your case with the desire to try to prevent a conviction. A cheap lawyer or a public defender cannot spend the time to be an effective advocate. This does not mean that an expensive lawyer is better some just take your money and tell you they did everything they could and tell you you have to plead guilty. Do your research and find a lawyer who will take the time to thoroughly review your case and try to get an acquittal. Your future depends on it.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 12:53 PM
As a misdemeanor (an assumption), it will not affect your ability to travel. However, it is a criminal record, so it will show up in any record checks for school, employment...etc. Consider hiring a DUI specialist to help you. Remember, just because you are arrested for DUI doesn't mean you have to have a conviction. The notion that if you get a DUI there is nothing you can do but plead guilty is ridiculous and is the #1 myth I hear from potential clients.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Criminal Law Attorney serving Oakland, CA
at
Dennis Roberts A Professional Corporation
Update Your Profile
No problem with grad school unless you are going to Temperance University. If you get formal probation you will have to get the consent of the Probation Officer to leave the country. If informal or court probation, you are free to go once you have completed DUI school and paid your fines, etc.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 12:44 PM
Wrongful Termination Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
at
Nelson & Lawless
Update Your Profile
If convicted, records are forever, and it counts as a prior for 10 years to enhance penalties if arrested again, you face potential jail, fines, license suspension, alcohol treatment school, probation, increased insurance costs, damage to employability, etc, etc.
Unless probation specifically bars travel, no real effect, except there are countries like Canada and others that bar entry for DUI and other criminal convictions.
Schools and licensing agencies will determine on case by case basis whether to bar you from entry or licensing.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 12:41 PM
Small Businesses Attorney serving Livonia, MI
at
Klisz Law Office, PLLC
Update Your Profile
Canada will not accept convicted drunk drivers into the country without prior permission.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 11:48 AM
An experienced attorney can explain the consequences of any charge and resultant conviction. For some people, just a charge will adversely affect them, for others the conviction will have an impact, still for others they will largely be unaffected. Citizenship, security clearance, age, job, career, education, future desires, and a multitude of other factors need to be explored with your attorney. The best way to tackle the charge and to try to avoid the conviction is to hire an experienced attorney right away.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 11:45 AM
The short answer is that as far as grad school and international travel go, it should not affect you too much. If you are convicted of DUII, then you will have to receive a court's permission for international travel. Certain graduate schools may have their own policies about admission - you would have to check with the specific school. However, you have not yet been convicted. It may be that you are eligible for Diversion, a program which would remove the DUII from your record. It may be that the police did something wrong during their stop and the subsequent investigation. It may be that you have a strong case and are likely to succeed at trial. All of these things need to be analyzed by an attorney. I would be happy to sit down with you for a free consult and discuss your options. Best of luck.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 11:45 AM
Adoptions Attorney serving Lansing, MI
at
Austin Legal Services, PLC
Update Your Profile
It really depends on what type of career you aspire to. A DUI shouldn't affect your international travels nor do I think it would weigh very heavily on college admission unless maybe it's a religious institution with strict guidelines for admittance. You can wait five years and have it expunged as long as nothing else is on your record. If you plan on getting a job driving a truck or a CDL then it could cause some problems or if your license is suspended or restricted. It shouldn't affect your future that much. Many people have misdemeanors and DUIs and marijuana offenses on their record which cause them very little problems other than the legal costs they have to endure.
Answered on Mar 08th, 2011 at 11:44 AM