There are numerous and far reaching consequences of a DUI conviction that extend beyond the criminal penalties involved. Foremost for most people are employment ramifications. If you job involves driving company vehicles there is a very good chance you would loose your job with a DUI conviction. Most company fleet insurance policies contain provisions which prohibit coverage for employees with DUI convictions. Most companies routinely run backround checks on prospective employees. A DUI conviction stays on you record forever. There is no way to expunge it or otherwise hide it. If you are competing for a job and the other applicant's record is clean guess who gets the job. A DUI conviction can eliminate you from consideration for a number of jobs. If you have a commercial driver's license (CDL) you will receive a one year disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle.Second are insurance consequences. Many insurance companies, such as State Farm, will simply cancel your policy. When you do get other insurance you will need SR22 coverage and your premium will likely double for the next 3 years. Spending the money on a skilled DUI defense lawyer may save you this expense.Many countries will deny entry to people with DUI convictions. Canada has such a provision. President Bush, upon his first official visit to Canada, had to obtain a special permit because of his DUI conviction.Marital difficulties are another common problem with DUI convictions. The enormous expense of a conviction causes strain and resentment which can be a final straw in some situations. DUI convictions will adversly effect a party's standing in any type of divorce litigation. They are often successfully used in attempts to deny or limit custody and visitation.