A DUI could have a significant impact on your life even if your marriage was proceeding smoothly. However, if you are going through a divorce, the fact that you were charged by Connecticut authorities could play a role in how an eventual settlement is structured.
Substance abuse can impact child custody
There is a good chance that a drunk driving conviction will hinder your ability to obtain physical custody of your kids. This may be especially true if you were driving while impaired with a child in your car. It is worth noting that you may eventually be allowed to have custody if you complete a rehab program and adhere to other guidelines set forth by the court. Furthermore, it’s probable that you have some sort of visitation rights assuming that you are otherwise fit to be a parent.
Money could be a sticking point
There may be some question as to where the money to pay fines, legal fees or other costs related to your legal fees will come from. If the divorce is not yet settled, it may be permissible to use marital funds to cover those expenses. However, your spouse may want other assets in exchange for depleting a bank account to pay for a criminal case.
A DUI charge could create tension in what may have been an amicable divorce process. Even if your spouse doesn’t use the DUI against you during settlement talks, a criminal charge could extend the settlement timeline. This is because it may be weeks or months before you know how the case will impact your finances or ability to be there for your children.
