How Might a DUI Affect My Reputation in San Bernardino?
Most DUI defendants focus primarily on avoiding incarceration and fines in San Bernardino. However, one of the most overlooked consequences of a DUI in California is the effect that it might have on your reputation. In fact, these reputational consequences might prove to be more problematic than any other issue in the long run. Although public figures may face a heightened risk of reputational loss compared to others, all San Bernardino residents can struggle after a DUI conviction – especially in the digital era. How exactly can a DUI affect your reputation in San Bernardino
California Politicians Face Serious Issues for DUIs
While anyone with a public persona faces serious reputational harm after a DUI conviction, politicians face perhaps the greatest risk of a destroyed career. Numerous politicians throughout California have had their reputations ruined due to DUI convictions in the past. On December 12th of 2023, it was reported that the Mayor Pro Tem of Palmdale had been arrested on suspicion of DUI. The politician was stopped by police at about 3 AM after police allegedly spotted her “driving erratically.”
It is not clear whether she was subjected to a breathalyzer test, but the mayor was subsequently forced to issue a public apology for her actions. To make matters even worse, she had previously pleaded guilty to a DUI offense back in 2011 after recording a BAC level more than twice the legal limit.
This is hardly the first time a California politician has been accused of a DUI. Earlier this year, a State Senator was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. In November of 2023, an Assemblymaker was also arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Some of these politicians have even been caught on camera being abusive and insulting to police officers, which causes further issues for their public image and reputation.
The consequences of a DUI conviction are not always clear for California politicians. On the one hand, they may be put under immense pressure to resign from their positions. Often, this pressure comes from their own party or their own constituents. However, they may be under no real legal obligation to step down. Indeed, many politicians have stayed in office despite facing accusations of much worse crimes.
With all that said, the impact of a DUI conviction can be difficult to shake off over the long term. A politician might move up through the ranks of their political party – perhaps even running for president within a few decades. At this point, their criminal record may come back to haunt them on the debate stage or social media. Their critics and opponents may point to past DUI convictions as evidence of their irresponsibility and blatant disregard for human safety.
Politicians represent just one example of people who may be affected by a DUI. Business leaders, celebrities, real estate agents, and anyone else with a public image may suffer similar consequences. It is also worth mentioning that these same consequences may be felt by average people who have no public personas. For example, an individual in San Bernardino may struggle to find a high-paying job with a DUI conviction on their record. They may also struggle to find reliable housing, exercise their constitutional rights, and even form romantic relationships.
How Do I Stop a DUI from Affecting My Reputation?
Fortunately, various strategies can help defendants deal with this situation in several ways. The first and most obvious option is to fight the charges and aim for an acquittal. DUI defense attorneys in San Bernardino can help defendants accomplish this goal with targeted strategies. They might question the reliability of the Breathalyzer reading, and they may point out the traffic stop was unconstitutional from the very beginning. If the charges are dropped, this issue should not affect a defendant’s reputation in the future.
If a conviction has already occurred, there is still hope to save one’s reputation. First, defendants can appeal decisions. If this is not possible, defendants may pursue options for expungements or pardons. Clearing your record is a relatively straightforward process in California, and it may remove any mention of alleged offenses from your public reputation.
Some DUIs are Worse than Others
It is also worth mentioning that certain DUIs may have a much greater effect on your reputation than others. In some cases, a first-offense DUI with no injuries makes politicians seem more relatable – and it might even boost their polling numbers. However, a serious DUI with injuries and other aggravating factors is one of the most despised crimes in the United States. Another example of a universally stigmatized crime is a hit-and-run DUI.
Not only will these aggravated DUIs affect a defendant’s public persona, but they will also likely lead to much more serious criminal charges. It is possible to spend well over a decade in prison for a DUI accident that leaves someone seriously injured or deceased. These incidents highlight the need to work alongside qualified, experienced San Bernardino defense attorneys to not only save one’s reputation but also to avoid prison.
In addition, a felony charge will drastically affect your constitutional rights – and it might even prevent you from ever holding office again. While there is nothing specifically barring felons from holding public office on the federal level, state laws in California bar felons from ever holding office after convictions. This includes all public offices – from the Governorship right down to a school council membership.
Find an Experienced DUI Lawyer in San Bernardino
If you are facing a DUI charge in San Bernardino, it makes sense to work alongside an experienced defense attorney to protect not only your freedom but also your reputation. Penalties can be misleading in California. Even though a first-time offense may result in light penalties on paper, the real effects of these charges can be life-altering in subtle ways. Even if you face no threat of incarceration, it makes sense to defend yourself and aim for an acquittal if at all possible. You never know how this charge might affect your future. Book your consultation today with the DUI attorneys at Milligan, Beswick, Levine & Knox, LLP, and get started with an effective defense strategy.
Stephen Levine, is a Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Defense — an honor achieved by only the top criminal law attorneys in California. Mr. Levine has over 40 years of experience in criminal defense and family law serving Southern California, and is a highly regarded Super Lawyer as well as AV Rated attorney.