Getting a DWI charge can feel overwhelming, but when most people consider the possibility of a conviction, they worry the most about the short-term consequences.

While a jail sentence and large fines are nothing to scoff at, it is important to consider the potential lasting ramifications, too.

A financial burden

BACtrack takes a look at the long-term impacts of a DWI. First, it can affect your finances. You may have a harder time finding a job, especially since numerous fields do not hire people with a DWI on record for safety reasons. This includes jobs involving children such as teaching positions, government jobs, and jobs that require a commercial driver’s license.

Many employers also require their employees to have a reliable form of transportation. Unfortunately, for anyone currently experiencing license suspension or revocation, this is difficult to provide and can cause an employer to pass you over.

Troubles finding housing

Next, it may also impact your ability to find housing, even setting aside the financial aspect of it. Many landlords only have a limited number of units they have available at any given time, and the applicants compete against one another for those spots.

While a landlord cannot discriminate based on criminal record, they can still show preference to an applicant. It is not likely that you will get a unit over someone with a clean record.

Keeping these things in mind, the lasting impacts of a DWI will go on for potential years by comparison, making it an even bigger reason to avoid conviction.