No matter what BAC you were accused of driving with and regardless of whether it was your first offense or your fourth, being charged with DUI carries serious consequences. On top of any jail time, fines, and license suspensions you may face as a result, a DUI conviction can stay with you even longer by having a negative effect on your credit score.

Your credit score is the number used to calculate whether or not you are likely to pay back your debts and can determine whether you are eligible for mortgages, loans, or credit cards. When you don't pay your bills, file for bankruptcy, or borrow much more than you can repay, your credit card takes a hit. The lower your credit score, the less likely it will be for you to obtain housing, employment, and even pay back debts you have.

How is my credit affected by DUI?

While being convicted of a DUI will not show up directly on your credit score, many of the expenses incurred as a result of a conviction have the power to make a negative hit on your finances. It is estimated that a first time conviction for a DUI leads to $9,000 to $24,000 in total costs.

Some of the costs associated with a DUI include:

• Bail
• Attorney costs
• Criminal fines and court fees
• Car impound fees
• Alcohol education classes
• Installation of an ignition interlock device
• Increased automobile insurance

It is fairly common to not the money available to pay these fees, which is why many get a credit card to cover the costs. Put this in combination with the loss of employment that may result from not having a driver's license and suspended professional licenses, someone without a solid financial cushion may find themselves struggling to make payments.

Even those that are able to pay their credit card fees up front without having too big of a financial roadblock can have their credit score dip because of the large amount of money that is being used. When more money is being borrowed from creditors, the higher the utilization ratio can be, leading to a drop in credit score.

In short, even a first time DUI conviction can drive you into debt and negatively affect your credit score. If you have been charged with driving under the influence, the best thing you can do is find an experienced and aggressive DUI defense attorney. Use the directory to skilled lawyer in your area