Employers frequently use background checks in the hiring process. This can spell trouble for a job applicant with a criminal history. An applicant's background check can expose a DUI charge or conviction -- and may affect a person's ability to land the job.

Like many other cities and states, Philadelphia restricts an employer's ability to consider a DUI offense in a hiring decision.

The costs for a DUI can be much more than spending a few nights in jail.

In fact, even for the most straight-forward drunk driving cases, the toll on your wallet can be significant. There are a variety of costs directly and indirectly related to a DUI.

Here is a look at seven of these costs of a drunk driving conviction:

If you have been arrested for drunken driving, you will definitely want to get a lawyer for your DUI case.

However, with so many lawyers to choose from, how do you know how to choose the best one?

Most attorneys have impressive credentials and it can be hard to distinguish one lawyer from the next. However, by following these five tips, you may be able to narrow down your search:

Let's say that you've been arrested for drunken driving. You may know that you face criminal DUI charges. However, did you know that you could face penalties for many additional violations as well?

That's because individuals who violate drunken driving laws also frequently violate other closely related laws.

And in these cases, you could face penalties even if you're cleared of the DUI charge that got you into trouble in the first place.

Here's a look at five common charges associated with a DUI:

If you are charged with driving drunk, you may want to know some ways to challenge a DUI blood test.

At the time of arrest, a DUI suspect is often asked to submit to a Breathalyzer or some other test to determine the suspect's blood alcohol level. This can include taking a blood sample and analyzing it.

The results of these tests are typically key to proving that you were driving drunk. However, just because some device or lab tech says that your blood alcohol level was above 0.08%, you may still be able to fight the charge in court.

For adults, the legal limit for driving drunk is generally 0.08%. But for a variety of reasons, prosecutors may not have evidence at a DUI trial of a defendant's specific blood alcohol level. Still, this has not stopped prosecutors from charging and convicting drunken drivers.

Individuals stopped for DUI may refuse a blood alcohol test under the belief that they can avoid prosecution without evidence specifying their blood alcohol level. Some individuals may even pass a blood alcohol test.

However, it is common for prosecutors to go after these individuals by using other evidence. Here's a look at some common evidence that prosecutors may use against a drunken driver besides blood alcohol content:

Many individuals overlook a possible driver's license suspension as a penalty for a DUI.

Instead, and rightly so, they focus on jail time and possible loss of freedom. Next, the accused may then worry about any monetary fines or terms of probation.

However, the DUI penalty that may have the greatest impact on your day-to-day life may be the driver's license suspension. If you lose your license, how will you get to work? Buy groceries? Take your kids to school?

If you have been convicted of a DUI in Pennsylvania, the residual effect may be the DUI showing up on employment background checks and hindering your chances of getting a job.

You hear a lot about minimum jail sentences and monetary fines associated with drunken driving convictions. However, these penalties usually only affect you for a short while.

In contrast, a DUI on your record could potentially impact you for the rest of your life.

When you are charged with drunken driving in Philadelphia, you may think it's hopeless. After all, it may be your word against the arresting officer's -- not to mention the results of a blood alcohol test.

However, you should take some comfort in knowing that there are some common defenses to drunken driving that actually work.

Keep in mind that when you are defending yourself against a DUI charge, there is a lot at stake including your possible freedom and monetary fines. So even if you think one of these defenses may apply, it's best to work with an experienced DUI attorney when arguing your defense.

If you are charged with a DUI in Philadelphia, you should be aware that you face very serious penalties. However, just because the statutes may provide for jail stays and monetary fines, you may be able to reach a DUI plea bargain and avoid the most serious penalties.

In fact, DUI cases rarely make it all the way to trial. Instead, the vast majority of DUI defendants reach a plea deal to resolve their criminal cases and many of these defendants avoid jail completely.