The Social Security system is in place to help us through difficult times. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which the system makes our lives even more difficult than they need to be. The day I received the denial letter for my claim, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. After talking with a few friends, I contacted a lawyer. That was the best decision I had ever made. Even with the professional assistance, getting the denial overturned and getting the money that I was owed took several months. I have kept a clear journal of my experience and loaded it with information that can help others get through what can be an impossible time.
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Social security denial - a journal of assistance
An Overview Of Habitual DUI Offense
Alexis Garcia
You will be treated as a habitual DUI (driving under the influence) offender if you have been convicted of DUI offenses multiple times in the recent past. For example, if you have three DUI convictions in your past, you will be treated as a habitual offender when you are arrested and charged with DUI for the fourth time.
The exact specifics of the label differ by state; that is, state laws determine the number of DUI offenses as well as the period within which they must have occurred for a person to be designated as a habitual DUI offender. For example, one state may label you a habitual DUI offender if you have three convictions within a five year period while another state may reserve the designation for those who have at least four convictions within the same period.
What Are the Consequences?
Getting the habitual offender tag will earn you tougher consequences even for a relatively "normal" DUI tag. Here are some of the specific penalties that habitual DUI offenders get:
Longer License Revocation
While ordinary DUI charges may attract license suspension of a few months, a habitual DUI defendant may have their licensed revoked for several years. Yes, you may have to survive without a driving license for even five years or more if you are convicted as a habitual DUI offender. You can imagine how terrible it would be to go for half a decade or so without being legally able to drive.
Automatic Felony Charges
In some places, your DUI charges will automatically be elevated to felony status if you are charged as a habitual offender. Note that being charged with a felony has far-reaching consequences other than the immediate ones of harsher penalties. For example, some employers will overlook misdemeanor convictions in your past but not felony convictions. There are also organizations, such as those that issue educational grants, that require applicants to report felony crimes in their past.
Harsher Penalties upon Conviction
A typical DUI conviction will attract different penalties such as monetary fines, incarceration, and vehicle confiscation, among others. Expect the same penalties if you are convicted as a habitual offender – it's only that this time the penalties will be harsher. For example, you are likely to be given multiple punishments, the prison time will be long, and the monetary fine will be steep.
As you can see, being charged with habitual DUI is pretty grim. This is one of those situations that you should let a DUI lawyer like Robert A Murray handle from the beginning.
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