How many people do you know that have had a DWI? Chances are, those that have a DWI aren't exactly jumping to share this bit of information. It is often viewed as a mistake and that most people would like to erase from their history. But what's so bad about a DWI, and why should you avoid drinking and driving at all costs? In this article, we review the top reasons a DWI is something you should avoid and do so at any cost.

Felony Convictions

Do you pride yourself on being on the straight and narrow? Having a clean criminal background is something you should hold dear. Once you have a blemish on it, it's not something you can take back. It will follow you. A felony conviction can impede your life in several ways. The first is you won't be able to hold office or have state licenses. If you're wanting to have a career being a commercial driver, you can almost bet that won't happen. Other areas a felony conviction can affect include being hired for certain jobs or getting into the apartment or home that you would like.

Jail Time

Perhaps the most frightening situation for anyone is the possibility of jail time. Though it's unlikely that your first DWI offense will lead to jail time, it's not impossible. The judge takes into consideration your criminal background if you have any prior charges and the extent of damage that was done while you were drinking and driving. Jail time alone is enough to deter most people from drinking and driving. If you're still not convinced, what would you rather do with a year of your life versus sitting in prison?

It’s Expensive

Dealing with a Dwi is expensive. If you’re already struggling, what would a few thousand dollars do to your budget? On the low end, the average cost for DUI representation is $1,900. The high end can reach upwards of $8,000 depending on the severity of the case and whether or not you go to trial. This is a massive expense. When compared to the routine traffic ticket that is a couple of hundred dollars, it’s clear why most would rather avoid the DWI charge.

Conclusion

Are you still on the fence about whether or not you should drink and drive? What about the potential for accidents? Whether it's bodily harm, death, or the destruction of your vehicle, these things should be taken into consideration. While drinking, you may not have the same reservations you do while sober; planning ahead for how you get home is the best way to manage drinking and driving.