DUI Job Loss

When you think about the penalties for a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, you probably think about jail time, fines, and license suspension. What you probably don’t think about is how having a DUI on your record can affect your current (and future) employment.

DUI penalties work as a domino effect. It begins when you first get arrested for driving while impaired. What if you can’t afford to get out on bail? Your employer will not look too kindly on your missing work because you are behind bars.

Next up is your license suspension. Now you have to find a new way to get to work everyday. Without transportation, you will have to learn the bus schedule or beg for rides from your friends or coworkers. Not only will this ensure that you do not win any popularity contests – you might have trouble making it into work on time.

The judge will probably assign you community service. Due to the commitment that community service entails, you will have to ask for time off of work. You will be busy picking up trash from the highway when you could be at work. As you work less and less hours, you are earning less and less money - all at a time when you will be getting slapped with multiple fines from the court.

What if you get fired from your current job because of the time you had to take off and the points on your driver’s license? Think it will be easy to find another job? Think again. It is becoming increasingly common for employers to do background checks on potential new hires. Many companies require a clean driving and/or criminal record. With a DUI showing up on your background check, you will be denied employment.

Don’t let a DUI arrest mean the end of your livelihood. If you have recently been charged with drunk driving, you need to immediately contact a law firm that focuses on DUI defense. An experienced attorney can help you avoid the penalties that come along with a DUI conviction, such as jail time, license suspension, fines and the loss of your job.