Impaired driving can cause myriad serious consequences.

The worst-case scenario is always the possibility of killing others, but what about the other possible repercussions? Most people know DUIs are costly, can result in jail time and carry a heavy negative social stigma, but the particulars of the offense can be even more severe.

What to do if you're pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence

1. Cooperate with the officer.

2. Don’t lie, don’t be intentionally difficult and don’t withhold requested information. Knowing your rights is important, but resisting arrest can cause more serious problems for you. You may be asked to take a field sobriety test, a roadside Breathalyzer test and/or a blood test.

3. Submit to blood alcohol and/or drug testing when requested by an officer. The myth that you can avoid a DUI by refusing to comply with testing is absolutely false. In Nevada, simply by having a driver’s license, you are consenting to be tested if an officer presents you with a warrant. If you fail to submit to the test, the officer will seize your license, arrest you and take you to a convenient place for the administration of a BAC test and/or drug test.

If you're charged with a DUI

• Your car can be impounded and you’ll be arrested.

• You’ll be taken to the nearest jail and booked.

• Your fingerprints and mug shot will be taken.

• Depending on the circumstances of your arrest, even if you’re able to post bail, you may have to spend the night in jail until you’re sober.

• Before you’re discharged, you’ll be given a summons to appear in court.

• In court, you either can plead guilty, not guilty or negotiate a plea bargain. Usually, people who have been charged with a DUI will plead guilty or will work out a plea bargain with the prosecutor.

Financial, lifestyle and legal ramifications

Assuming it’s a first-time offense and there are no additional charges or aggravating circumstances, you should expect the following:

• Your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days and you will have to pay multiple administrative fees to the DMV to have it reinstated.

• You will be ordered to pay a fine of $400 to $1000, plus court and administrative fees.

• You will receive a jail sentence of two days to six months, or 96 hours of community service.

• You will be ordered to attend DUI school, which you will have to pay for.

• You will be required to get an SR-22 from your insurance company before you’re able to reinstate your license with the DMV. An SR-22 is considered “high-risk” insurance coverage, and it will double or triple your premium payments. You’ll be required to maintain the SR-22 for three years.

If there are aggravating circumstances

Additional discipline can be ordered if there is a BAC of 0.18 or higher, past criminal infractions, prior DUI arrests, other charges associated with the arrest, or if there was a person under age 15 in the vehicle. This can include:

• A complete drug or alcohol dependency assessment, which you will pay for.

• Participating in and paying for a substance-abuse treatment program.

• Installing an ignition interlock device in your car for up to three years. An ignition interlock device is a Breathalyzer you must blow into before being able to start the engine. If alcohol is detected, your car will not start. You will be required to pay to have the device installed and for the monthly monitoring costs of the device.

Unexpected ramifications

• Job termination. Having your license suspended can prevent you from getting to work. Court appearances, jail time and community service are time-consuming, which can affect your job performance.

• It can hinder chances at future employment. Simple background checks required by most employers will uncover a misdemeanor or a felony DUI.

• It can prevent you from qualifying for housing applications and college admission, and will make you ineligible for many scholarships or financial-aid packages.

Can I have it removed from my record?

After seven years from your conviction date, you can petition the court to have your record sealed but it’s a complicated, time-consuming and expensive process. And the court could reject your attempt.