6 Ways a DUI Can Be a Career Killer

You may have heard stories of how a police officer, real estate agent, nurse, teacher, or physician was fired from their job after being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). But what about you? What about the everyday citizen who is convicted of DUI? How can a DUI hurt their employment opportunities?

If you are convicted of DUI, the consequences can go way beyond losing your license, going to AA meetings, or doing community service. You may not be aware of it, but a DUI conviction can have a devastating impact on your ability to earn a living. Here are 6 ways a DUI can cause some serious damage to your job or career:

  1. Suspended driver’s license: If your driver license is suspended and you don’t get a restricted license that allows you to drive to and from work, then you’re taking the bus, begging for rides from friends or family, or taking a taxi. If a bus is your best option, you’re stuck with unreliable transportation and you could lose your job if you’re late.
  2. Zero tolerance: California is an “at will” employment state, meaning employers maintain the right to fire someone for any reason, except for discrimination. Additionally, many employment contracts state that a criminal conviction is grounds for firing. If your employer has such a policy, you could lose your job. Most employers who have this policy require that employees notify them immediately if they are arrested for DUI.
  4. Licensing issues: Many if not most professional licenses, such as those for nurses, CPAs, real estate agents, loan officers, doctors, lawyers, notaries, and even plumbers require that DUI arrests be reported to the licensing agency. Depending on the agency, a DUI conviction could affect your license. If you lose your license, you could lose your livelihood.
  5. College applications: Most colleges and universities ask about criminal convictions. The same goes for financial aid applications. If you fail to disclose your conviction, you could be kicked out or your acceptance rescinded. If your application is being considered, a black mark can cause you to be passed over for another candidate who doesn’t have a criminal record.
  6. Commercial drivers: If a commercial driver is convicted of DUI, they face a one-year license suspension of their commercial license for a first DUI offense. If they’re convicted a second or subsequent time, there is a LIFETIME BAN on their commercial license. For commercial drivers of busses, delivery trucks, hazardous materials, and eighteen wheelers, a DUI conviction can mean the end of their career.

The above are just some examples of how a DUI conviction could impact your career. We haven’t even scratched the surface in regards to DUI probation, alcohol education and counseling, community service, Ignition Interlock Devices and everything else that will take time away from your job.

Ready to fight your DUI charges? Contact the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc.to get started and for a free case evaluation.

Related Posts
  • How Will a DUI Impact Your Insurance Rates? Read More
  • Ultimate Guide to DUI Court Procedures Read More
  • 4 Types of DUI Charges Read More