DUI Employment Loss
Most people are aware that a DUI conviction results in multiple penalties including expensive fines, possible jail time, community service, alcohol/drug treatment, probation, loss of driver’s license—the list goes on and on. But a DUI conviction can also have an impact on your employment both now and in the future. This is something many people don’t realize (they’re often too busy worrying about the penalties they are facing in court). And whether you are a truck driver, school bus driver or just rely heavily on transportation as part of your job, a DUI can have a devastating affect on your employment. If you are currently employed you may have a legal obligation to inform your employer of your pending DUI case (ask your defense attorney for the specific laws on this in your state).
It is recommended that you speak with your attorney first before informing your employer because you may not be obligated to. However, if you are your employer can end your employment if you are convicted of DUI. This is especially true if you hold a commercial license and your position involves driving. Depending on your employer’s rules, a DUI conviction may mean that you are suspended from driving in any company-related activity.
A DUI conviction can also prevent you from obtaining employment even years after your conviction. If your potential employer runs a background/criminal check, this will appear on your record. Some employers go back up to ten years while others ask to see a copy of your entire driving history.
However, each state’s driving records are different. For more specific information on how your state handles DUI convictions on your record, speak with an attorney in your area.
If you are employed by the government or another high security clearance is associated with your job, it can be nearly impossible to avoid having them find out about a DUI conviction. Whenever high security clearance is necessary, it’s always difficult to keep things like this from them because they often run frequent background checks.
Remember that if you are charged with DUI, you are not convicted yet. That’s why you need legal representation!
