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Mistakes are a part of life. Every person has and will make mistakes. The consequences of those mistakes, however, are often overlooked. This is true for drunk driving and DUI convictions.

Many people think of DUI convictions as having only legal consequences, like fees and fines, possible jail time, and the temporary loss of the right to drive. These are all possible, but DUI convictions can have long-term and long-lasting effects on other important aspects of life. Even things like your insurance coverage can be affected by a DUI conviction. 

Not every person is affected the same way by DUI convictions. Many of the consequences depend on the state the conviction is given and the circumstances of the DUI arrest. 

Regardless of where, it is important to find the necessary support and representation to wade through the mess of court appearances and answer questions like “Will my car insurance rates increase after a DUI?”

What is a DUI?

The idea of a DUI is not new. Many popular movies and TV shows use the term DUI to add drama and suspense, but in many cases, the term is used incorrectly. This makes it difficult for people to understand a DUI charge if they receive one. It’s important to know the true, legal definition of a DUI. 

The legal definition of a DUI is often thought of as a person driving a car who has a blood alcohol content above the legal limit. That definition, however, is only a small part of the legal definition. 

A person is guilty of driving under the influence if they are found to be intoxicated or impaired and driving any type of motorized vehicle with a drive train. This definition goes far beyond driving a car. 

A person who is intoxicated and drives any motorized vehicle including a lawnmower, mopeds, or jet skis and other motorized watercraft is guilty of a DUI. 

What are the legal consequences of a DUI conviction?

The most immediate consequences of a DUI conviction are those given out by the legal system. Those convicted of a DUI are most often charged with a felony, sentenced to a jail stay of differing lengths, and required to pay thousands of dollars in fees. The specifics in each case are determined by state law. 

In more severe cases, like repeat offenders, the individual is at risk of a suspended license. The loss of your license has additional consequences as well. Without a license, you can’t drive to work or to other obligations. This can place additional pressure on you and your loved ones.

It is also possible to have additional charges attached to a DUI conviction. A person can also be charged with careless or reckless driving. This and other additional charges will depend on the state a person is charged in and the circumstances surrounding the arrest or incident. Each additional charge can carry more fees, fines, and jail time. 

There are long-term legal consequences as well. After a DUI conviction, many drivers are placed on probation. 

During this time of probation, drivers will be required to stay away from all alcohol and maintain contact with their probation officer. Any breach of the terms of probation may result in an extension of the probation period, additional jail time, or fees. 

Drivers may also be required to take alcohol education classes or substance treatment. These consequences are given in hopes that drivers will learn from their mistakes and reduce the number of repeat offenders. This requirement is determined by state law and the judge presiding over the case. 

How does a DUI conviction affect your employment?

DUI convictions do not stay secret. In fact, DUI convictions are visible to current and future employers. DUI convictions can make it more difficult to find a new job. Jobs that require any sort of driving may be completely off limits, while unrelated employers may still be uncomfortable hiring someone with one or more DUI convictions. 

Current employment may also be at risk. A DUI conviction requires court appearances, possible jail time, and even possible community service. All of these obligations require an extensive time commitment that may interfere with a work schedule and make it difficult to maintain a job. 

How does a DUI conviction affect your academics?

These types of convictions can also affect your academic future. If you are convicted of a DUI and the recipient of a scholarship, then that scholarship may be in jeopardy. Scholarships can be revoked or denied after a DUI. Without a scholarship or grant, college becomes more expensive and, in some cases, unattainable. 

If you are in the process of applying to colleges and universities, you may be asked to disclose any criminal history. A DUI conviction may make it more difficult to be accepted to institutes of higher learning. 

How does a DUI conviction affect your relationships?

Felony convictions, like DUIs, can also have negative effects on personal and professional relationships. People often view DUI convictions more harshly than other traffic offenses and misdemeanors. This can result in strained or severed relationships.

How does a DUI conviction affect your car insurance?

Insurance companies often consider a driver’s past driving history and overall record when determining coverage and policy cost. A DUI conviction will almost always lead to higher rates and premiums because these convictions result in a “high-risk” designation. 

Higher insurance premiums coupled with the sometimes extensive legal fees can cause considerable financial stress. 

The good news is many insurance companies will work with you to reduce the effects of a DUI conviction on your insurance coverage. Contact your insurance company after being charged with a DUI. 

DUI convictions are costly and often debilitating events. People find themselves in a mess of legal ramifications that are too often followed by other social and professional consequences. 

Even after those hurdles are overcome, a DUI conviction can still have a grip on your life, but there are ways to limit the long-term effects. Don’t stay trapped by the mistakes of your past, find help and regain control. 

Laura Gunn is a legal expert who writes and researches for the legal and insurance education site, FreeAdvice.com. She is passionate about informing her readers on their legal rights and how to get the representation and support they need.

Defining domestic violence is more than just kicks and punches. It is the norm when speaking about domestic abuse that women are highlighted, but domestic violence doesn’t only happen to or affect women. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) found that one in nine men is likely to experience domestic abuse on a national average in their lifetime.

Why don’t we talk about it?

Socio-cultural gender norms play a significant role in why discussing male victims can get a lackluster spotlight. Just like how we see the roles that create gender biases in car insurance, getting home improvement rates, or salary negotiations, the other side of the grass isn’t greener. Not that other reasons don’t contribute, but domestic violence is often perceived as a “womanly” problem, making most men less likely to report their abuse.

You Can’t Measure What’s Not There

Those suffering from domestic abuse are often too afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed to report their abuser, causing the numbers that we do have to keep us from seeing how big of an issue domestic abuse is. The macho stigmas that follow males when having to seek help when becoming victims of domestic abuse situations play a large role in the duration of the abuse. Being a man doesn’t mean that others cannot harm or manipulate you, and if you are with an abusive partner, you should speak to someone you trust.

Outside of the realm of emotion and stigma, those living with or dating an abusive partner often belittle their partner’s abusive behavior. Domestic abuse is any behavior or action that falls under:

• Physical violence
• Harassment or stalking
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological abuse
• Isolating you from friends or family
• Threatening you, your loved ones, things you care about, or your belongings
• Constant insulting or belittling
• Using intimidation to manipulate you
• Embarrassing you in public

We often think no harm, no foul, but words do hurt, and even worse, they can have long-lasting effects on our psyche. Abusive actions can cause anyone to self-isolate or feel that their partner isn’t irrational and that they are the problem.

Living with someone who is physically or mentally abusive creates a traumatizing mental cycle of depression and anxiety that can have permanent effects on one’s mental state.

How to be Prepared

Removing yourself from an abusive situation is difficult, but thankfully there are people and organizations out there waiting to help. As a man, you may think that helping hands are not being extended to you, but they are.

You have the power in your choices to decide how you want resolution and whether you want to take your partner to court, press charges, or just want a clean break free of any further abuse.

Do Research on Staying Safe

Make sure you are somewhere safe, and research domestic abuse laws and recent cases that have occurred in your city and state. If you plan on pressing charges or need to keep children safe from your partner, knowing what laws are on your side will only help you protect yourself and others.

Arming yourself with knowledge will help you act faster if and when abusive episodes start. In many cases, when abuse charges are dismissed, it is because the defense will claim that injuries only occurred because of an accident or self-defense.

Whether you are living alone or with children, knowing what organizations have safe houses near you can be a safer option than going to the home of a friend or family member.

Document all of the Details

Sometimes abuse is hard to prove, especially if the abuse isn’t physical. As safely as you can, document your partner’s behavior with video, auto recordings, photos, and saved texts. Backup all your proof from your device, or send it to someone you trust until you are ready to leave.

Stay consistent with how you document and video yourself, giving a statement on the event after it happens, so your memory is fresh. Having unmanipulated documentation will help arm your case against the arguments your partner’s defense team may use.

File a Protective Order

You can gain access to these forms online, and if you are in the process of leaving your current partner, you should keep this form on you at all times. Your partner will be getting served with a notice to stay away and to refrain from contacting you, so if you currently live together, you should do this after you’ve found somewhere safe to go.

This form is documentation that could potentially help you in court and ensures your protection against any further abuse. Upon completing this form, you can request that any weapons in your partner’s possession be turned into the police. No matter the sex or amount of physical threat, your ex-partner serves, documenting your separation is better for your safety.

Abuse is Gender Blind

Chances are that if you’re trying to find out what constitutes domestic abuse and you’ve read this far, you may have realized there’s something wrong.

As a man, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or income, you are entitled to happiness and safety. Though gender biases are a social construct, the burdens of macho rhetoric are a mental problem and, at times, a physical problem that affects the lives of men.

Unfortunately, the answer to our original question, “Is it harder for men to claim domestic abuse?” is yes, it is.

That’s not nearly the answer we’d hope for in a society that seems to be ever progressing past gender and sex stereotypes. But the good news is that the answer can change. The main factor behind male domestic abuse victims not receiving help is culture.

The more open we become to accept the fluidity between masculinity and femininity, the higher chances we have of getting accurate domestic abuse data as well as knowing how to eradicate the behaviors that lead to abusive behavior.

Identifying abuse is just the first step in healing from an abusive relationship and getting you, your children, family, and even friends into a safer situation away from your abuser. If you feel alone, organizations are here to help you.

Your experiences are real. Your safety matters. You are a man for stopping abusive behavior.

Danielle Beck-Hunter writes and researches for AutoInsurance.org. Danielle is an advocate for standing against domestic violence. Having worked on the annual Take Back the Night event with the Women’s Center of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Danielle has worked with domestic abuse victims from various backgrounds and is passionate about sharing information that could save lives.

Public officials who overspend taxpayer money, whether they are elected officials or appointed heads of departments or divisions within government, can be charged criminally.

The goal of fighting public corruption and enforcing budget restraint is admirable, but for those caught up in allegations of wrongdoing, the penalties can be stiff.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:30-4, Disbursing Moneys, Incurring Obligations in Excess of Appropriations, those who order or vote for disbursements of public money, or incurring debts, beyond the public appropriation of their government entity can be charged with a crime of the fourth degree.

Conviction can result in a sentence of 18 months and a $10,000 fine.

For first offenders, there is at least a presumption of non-incarceration which may keep you out of prison, but when there are additional charges on an indictment, even that can’t be a certainty.

Public corruption charges are prosecuted vigorously, and the smear to your name can cripple you financially even if you win.

You have to get the best representation possible to fight back against charges of misusing public money.

Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

There are a variety of offenses against service animals that can be prosecuted in New Jersey.

Under N.J.S.A. 2C:29-3.2, Offenses Against Service Animals, Guide Dogs, it is a crime to recklessly kill a service animal or guide dog, or recklessly permit your own dog to injure or kill a service animal or guide dog.

These offenses are crimes of the fourth degree, with a possible sentence of 18 months and a fine of up to $10,000.

A person who recklessly injures a service animal or recklessly allows a dog under their control to injure a service animal or guide dog will be charged with a disorderly persons offense and face up to six months in jail and fines of $1,000.

Interfering with a service animal, or allowing a dog in your control to do so, or using obstruction or intimidation to jeopardize the safety of a service animal or its handler, will be charged as a petty disorderly persons offense, with a maximum sentence of 30 days and a fine of $500.

Those convicted under 2C:29-3.2 are also obligated to make restitution to the handler, including reimbursement for the value of the service animal or guide dog, replacement and training or retraining expenses for both animal and handler, any veterinary or medical and boarding expenses for the dog, medical expenses for the handler, and lost wages that are incurred by deprivation of the service animal or guide dog.

Instances where guide dogs and service animals are injured are uncommon, but when they happen, the results can be catastrophic for the person charged, or their animal.

Take action right away when you’re charged with any crime in New Jersey.

Matthew Reisig has protected the rights and freedom of clients in New Jersey for nearly 20 years.

Call 732-625-9661 today for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney.

Under New Jersey’s statute N.J.S.A. 2C:24-10, Female Genital Mutilation of Females Under 18 Years of Age, it is a crime of the third degree to perform an act of female genital mutilation, to give consent to allowing a child under 18 in your care to undergo such a procedure, or to remove a child under 18 from state care in order to have such a procedure performed.

New Jersey describes crimes differently than most states, but a third degree crime is comparable to a mid-level felony in other jurisdictions. Conviction can result in a sentence of three to five years, though many defendants will be subject to a presumption of non-incarceration that can mean you won’t serve time in prison if convicted.

A felony record in New Jersey can have huge impacts on your life going forward, including your ability to find work and receive state benefits. A criminal conviction can also negatively impact immigration cases. Don’t take chances with so much at stake. Call Matthew Reisig today at 732-625-9661 and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.

The practice of psychoanalysis in New Jersey requires certification from the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety.

When a person lacks such a certification, or it has been suspended, revoked, or limited by the board, and they then hold themselves out as a state-certified psychoanalyst or practice as a state-certified psychoanalyst under a false or assumed name, or impersonates someone who is certified, they can be charged under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-20.5, Unauthorized Practice of Psychoanalysis. This is a third degree crime that carries a possible three to five year prison sentence and $15,000 in fines.

When you’re facing potentially life-changing criminal charges, you should act quickly to defend yourself. Attorney Matthew Reisig protects professionals who are facing allegations of misconduct and unauthorized practice of psychoanalysis in NJ. Call 732-625-9661 today and talk to an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney for free.