DUI Charge In Houston: Can It Affect You Mentally? Pt 1

Arrested For Drinking And Driving In Houston - Butler Law Firm

How A DUI Conviction Can Ruin Your Mental Health

Part 1

It goes without saying that facing a DUI charge and a looming DUI conviction can be incredibly stressful. A DUI conviction carries heavy consequences, some of which can haunt your life long after you’ve completed your initial legal penalties. Having a DUI conviction on your record can not only jeopardize your chances of securing employment and housing, but it can also ruin your social life. What’s more, without your license, running daily errands will become more challenging. As the reality of these consequences starts to set in, your quality of life may be affected. According to research, a DUI conviction can impact your mental health in several ways. This article takes a look at the various ways a DUI conviction can affect your mental health and ways to better cope with your situation.

First-Time Offender

According to statistics, of all the potential crimes out there, the majority of DUI charges are first-time offenses. A first-time offender is someone who’s never had a run-in with the law before. Basically, they don’t have any prior criminal record. While it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is their first time driving while drunk, it is the first time that they are facing legal punishment for the offense. Facing criminal charges for the very first time can be very distressing for anyone. Just the thought of mandatory jail time, hefty fines, and a license suspension are enough to cause untold mental stress. For many first-time offenders, the effects of a DUI charge on their mental and emotional health will be felt almost immediately.

Financial Stress

According to research, there is a strong link between financial worries and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. One of the first and most glaring issues that you’ll encounter after being charged with a DUI is the financial implications. From the attorney fees, fines to increased insurance rates, you will be parting with a significant amount of money. Even for those who are financially secure, this unexpected expense can lead to a lot of stress. The situation becomes disastrous if you are on a tight budget and living paycheck to paycheck. For most offenders, dealing with the financial consequences of the charge was the most stressful part.

Loss Of Independence

There is no question about it, public transportation can’t match the efficiency or convenience of driving your own vehicle. The repercussions of having a suspended license can seep into many aspects of your life. While ride-sharing apps, carpooling, or asking a friend to drive you around are an option, they are far from ideal solutions. The loss of your license leads to significant mental stress as it often means that you lose your independence. The fact that you no longer have the freedom to run errands or go to work on your own can weigh heavily on anyone.

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