how does dui affect your employment?

How Will a DUI Affect My Employment Status?

In case it wasn’t enough to have to worry about your driver’s license, your ability to pay massive penalties, and the possibility of going to jail, you also have to worry about losing your job after a DUI. The decision to get behind the wheel of a car while impaired can impact every area of your life, but that doesn mean that your future should be ruined because of it.

That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney after a DUI arrest. At Coumanis & York, we aggressively defend every client to protect their rights and their future. Learn more now by calling us at 251-260-3927.

Jobs That Require Driving

There’s bad news if your job involves driving; you are likely to lose your job and not be able to work in a job that requires driving for a while. Hiring a driver with a history of DUI convictions is simply too big of a risk for many companies to take. This, of course, includes truck drivers and delivery drivers. However, it also includes those who must drive between multiple job sites in the course of their work.

For example, jobs that involve driving where a DUI could have an affect might include social workers, home health aides, district managers, traveling salespeople, and consultants. Even if driving is not the primary purpose of your job, being unable to do so safely may disqualify you from many positions.

Licensed Job Titles and Career Paths

Those in licensed positions are also at serious risk of losing their jobs or restricting their career growth with a DUI. Licensed careers include nurses, social workers, dentists, cosmetologists, real estate agents, teachers, and many other popular jobs. These jobs are each controlled and governed by their own licensing board and each licensing board has the freedom to set their own requirements. You’ll likely be required to report your DUI arrest and, should things go unfavorably, your conviction.

Depending on which licensed career you’re in, consequences may differ. You may get a slap on the wrist and be permitted to continue working as long as you don’t get a second DUI. You may have to work with supervision for a set period of time or have your permitted duties limited. In the worst-case scenario, you could lose your license and be unable to drive for your job.

Other Positions Requiring Background Checks

With other jobs, consequences vary. The majority of jobs now require at least a cursory background check, which is likely to reveal your DUI. However, not every employer cares about DUI convictions. They may be more concerned about violent crimes or crimes involving fraud and theft. But again, there is no way to know ahead of time. What we do know is that a DUI conviction has a very good chance of inhibiting your career options and forcing you to change your future plans.

How to Protect Your Future After a DUI

If a DUI is likely to damage your career, what can you do? The best thing to do is fight your DUI charges by hiring a criminal defense attorney. Too many people think that the charges will go away on their own or that all they have to do is tell the truth to be treated with leniency. The fact is that anything you say during a criminal investigation can only be used to harm you.

The investigators you talk to won’t use anything you say to argue for your innocence, no matter how benign it is. At every turn, you will be fighting people who are determined to see you convicted.

You need a criminal defense attorney whose only goal is to get your charges dropped or at least reduced. An experienced criminal defense lawyer knows that there are many ways DUI cases can fall apart, and they will explore different options for your defense.

It is important to point out that after a DUI arrest you need to act promptly if you want to protect your rights and your career. The longer you wait to hire an attorney, the less time they have to negotiate options for you, research your case, and build a solid defense case.

Turn to Coumanis & York for Your Criminal Defense Needs

Our team of experienced criminal defense lawyers is here to help you through your DUI case. Whatever your circumstances, everyone deserves a strong defense. To discuss your case, call us at 251-260-3927 or contact us online.

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