Driving under the influence (DUI) is one of the most common criminal offenses in the state of California. If you are convicted of drunk driving, you will be punished in accordance with California DUI law. Depending on the severity of the offense, you may be fined, jailed or have your driver's license suspended – among other penalties. 

However, that is never the end of the story. Like with any other offense, a DUI conviction comes with its share of collateral consequences. Here are some of them:

DUI and your career

A DUI conviction can make it difficult for you to find work. This is because a DUI conviction will always appear on your background and driving record checks anytime a potential employer runs a background check on you. As a result, if you are up against other candidates with clean records for the same position, it is highly likely potential employers will bypass you in favor of the other candidates. 

DUI and your civil rights

If you're charged and convicted of a felony-level DUI, you will lose your right to own and carry any kind of firearm – permanently – under federal law.

DUI and your professional license

Some professions require their members to obtain practicing licenses and observe a strict code of conduct while in practice. Such professions include nursing, law and even the military. Depending on the severity of your DUI conviction, you might have your practicing license suspended or even withdrawn. 

Most people assume the consequences of their DUI end with conviction and sentencing. However, this is not always the case. Find out how you can defend yourself when you're facing a DUI charge.