People may get arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) offenses after crashes or traffic stops. Anyone who displays impaired ability on the road or fails a breath test is at risk of prosecution. Those accused of a DUI may face serious criminal penalties if they plead guilty or get convicted.
The courts can sentence people to time in state custody. Those convicted of a DUI typically have to pay court costs and large fines. They can also lose their driver’s licenses. As if those criminal consequences weren’t bad enough, there are often social and career consequences as well.
Does a professional have to worry about losing their job because of a DUI conviction?
Some employers have zero tolerance for convictions
Depending on a worker’s career, job loss might be automatic after a DUI conviction. If the job requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL), a DUI conviction might make the worker ineligible for their CDL. They may not be able to work at all.
Other times, the company may have a zero-tolerance policy for convictions in their employment contract or handbooks. If the employer finds out about a criminal conviction, the worker might lose their job immediately.
Even if a DUI doesn’t lead to immediate job loss, it can still create major career setbacks. Employers may resent the increased insurance costs that a company may have in the wake of an employee’s criminal conviction. They may also decide to deny that worker future advancement opportunities if they seek a promotion.
DUI convictions can also have a chilling effect when employees seek new jobs elsewhere, as failing a background check could affect whether a company extends a worker an opportunity or not.
Fighting charges can protect a professional
Career-minded individuals facing DUI charges often decide to fight the allegations against them. A successful defense can help a defendant avoid job loss, license suspension and a criminal record that limits their opportunities indefinitely. Particularly in scenarios where a worker’s job involves driving or specialized licensing, avoiding a conviction can be crucial to continuing their chosen profession.
Looking at the circumstances that led to a DUI charge, with the assistance of a skilled legal team, can help a defendant choose an appropriate defense strategy. Fighting DUI charges successfully is potentially possible with the right information and support.