Why pleading guilty to an OUI can be a costly mistake

Operating under the influence (OUI) charges are relatively common. Drivers can get arrested for displaying reduced ability at the wheel or after failing a chemical test. Many people facing OUI charges choose to plead guilty.

While every defendant has the right to fight pending criminal charges, many people do not want to take OUI charges to trial. Defendants may hope for a lenient sentence or to avoid the expense and publicity possible during a criminal trial. What they may not realize is that pleading guilty to an OUI charge can actually be far more expensive than they realize.

There is no promise of leniency

The first thing that those pleading guilty to criminal offenses need to understand is that a guilty plea does not limit the penalties the courts impose. The courts can still impose any penalties allowed by state law. OUI offenses can lead to jail time and fines. Defendants may have to pay fines of between $500 and $15,000. They could also face up to five years in state custody.

People can also lose their driving privileges. After a first OUI conviction, a driver could lose their license for up to 180 days. That increased to three years for a second OUI conviction and to five years for a third. Drivers convicted of a fourth or subsequent OUI offense could face a lifetime license suspension.

It can be very expensive to have to live without a driver’s license. Even after the motorist gets their license back, they may still be vulnerable to additional expenses in the form of higher insurance costs.

Criminal records affect careers

Another important consideration for OUI defendants is how a criminal record can affect an individual’s career. Those convicted of an OUI may become ineligible for a commercial driver’s license for at least a year. Incarceration can lead to immediate job loss.

Some companies perform background checks before hiring or promoting candidates for a vacant position. An OUI record can hold a professional back from developing their career. The unfortunate reality is that an OUI conviction can cost someone thousands of dollars in immediate costs and far more than that in long-term consequences.

Developing a criminal defense strategy is often a better option than pleading guilty to an OUI offense. Defendants may have a variety of options available to them if they choose to fight their charges.