The punishment a DUI conviction carries is far more severe than people realize. Yes, there are court fines, alcohol education fees, probation fees, fees to regain your driving privileges when your period of suspension ends, and maybe even some time in jail. If you don’t hire a good DUI defense lawyer, you may think that you got off cheaply.

In reality, your punishment for the DUI conviction is just beginning. If you simply accept a conviction and you don’t hire an experienced DUI lawyer, you will live with a public record of a DUI conviction that carries a substantial social stigma that can cost you job opportunities, apartment rentals, bank loans, social invitations, and even friendships.

Of course, this doesn’t account for your added transportation costs during your license suspension, higher insurance premiums, or the heightened risk you run of more severe penalties if you ever suffer a second DUI or Refusal conviction.