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5 Ways a Summer DUI Can Be a Real Bummer

By Daniel Taylor, Esq. on June 19, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Saturday marks the official start of summer. And alongside the BBQs, pool parties, outdoor adventures, and other awesome summer activities comes something a little less pleasant: the risk of getting cited for DUI.

A DUI arrest won't just ruin your night (or day, depending on how early that pool party got started...). In many cases, it could also put a serious damper on your entire summer, and beyond.

Here are five ways a DUI can turn your summer into a serious bummer:

  • Know someone who has been arrested or charged with a drunken driving offense? Get in touch with a knowledgeable DUI attorney in your area today.
  1. You (and your car) could spend the weekend locked up. If you get a DUI on a Friday night, Saturday, or Sunday, you could be forced to wait it out in jail until Monday morning. And if your car is impounded as part your arrest, it could be locked up until Monday too, unless you can convince officers to let a sober friend drive it home.
  2. A DUI with kids in the car can lead to enhanced charges. Many summer events are family-friendly, meaning you may have kids in your car. Just remember that getting a DUI with children in the vehicle can get you charged with aggravated DUI, which often results in at least a month in jail. I can also sometimes lead to child endangerment charges.
  3. It could impact your job prospects. Having a DUI on your criminal record can make you less desirable to potential employers. Even if you pleaded no contest, you'll still have to answer "yes" when asked on a job application if you've ever been convicted of a crime, as your criminal record can easily be discovered during a background check.
  4. It could break your bank. If you've been saving for a summer getaway, here's a sobering thought: Bills related to a DUI conviction can quickly add up. Beyond the substantial fines related to your conviction and legal defense, you may also be financially responsible for installing an ignition interlock device in your car or paying for home monitoring as part of your sentence.
  5. A DUI case can last way longer than your summer tan. You may get charged with DUI during the summer, but your case may drag on until January or even later, in some cases. DUI cases can move at an excruciatingly slow pace, but there's usually not a whole lot that you can do about it, other than wait.

To learn more about dealing with a DUI or DWI this summer (or any season), check out FindLaw's free Guide to DUI Charges.

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