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DUI / DWI Lawyers Knoxville TN
Negative Consequences of a DUI Conviction
A DUI conviction can have disastrous effects on your life. The most obvious consequences of a conviction are jail/prison time, heavy fines, restitution, loss of license, and a permanent criminal record. Read about TN DUI penalties here. But there are many other consequences such as much higher insurance premiums, loss of reputation, loss of job, strain with family members, a civil lawsuit, restrictive probation, and more. It's important to remember that the consequences are real and far-reaching, which is why hiring an experienced Knoxville DUI lawyer is absolutely critical to giving yourself the best possibility of avoiding them. If you don't protect your legal rights, no one else will.
Civil Lawsuits and DUI
If you cause harm to another individual or his property, that individual has the right to file a civil lawsuit against you. Often civil cases occur after any criminal trials because the result of the criminal trial can affect whether someone feels confident pursuing the civil case. In a civil case, if you are found liable to the plaintiff, the cost of restitution can be staggering and will depend greatly on the amount of damage caused. At the very least you will probably be forced to pay for all property damage and medical bills. In the case of a death the amount can go up significantly.
But remember, if you can achieve a favorable outcome in the criminal trial, it makes a civil trial less likely. Or at the very least, makes a pre-trial settlement much more likely. The best way to protect yourself, your family, and your assets is to hire a qualified Knoxville DUI lawyer who can preserve your rights and help you avoid a costly and potentially devastating civil trial.
Effect on Insurance Premiums
Having a DUI on your record will immediately affect your insurance status. For one, your premiums will go up dramatically since you are perceived as a much higher risk to the insurance company. A DUI may also affect your health insurance and life insurance. Many states will require you to file SR-22 forms with the state that show you are insured as a high-risk driver with an insurance company. There are ways to minimize the increased cost, such as driving an older car, adding safety equipment, taking a driving course, and staying current on your payments. But the best course is to do whatever you can to avoid the DUI conviction in the first place. This starts with the hiring of a qualified, experienced attorney with knowledge on how to defend against a DUI charge.
We have more than 10 years of combined experience as Knoxville DUI attorneys. If you have been charged with drunk driving, contact us as soon as possible to protect your license, your rights, your reputation, and your career. We offer free consultations with no obligation. Call now at 865-622-7007.
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