It is a major offense to operate a car after drinking alcohol. Alcohol can cause dangerous car accidents even if you drink a small amount. Driving under the influence of alcohol impairs judgment, which slows reaction time.
One of the main factors contributing to traffic fatalities is driving under the influence. According to NHTSA studies, DUI kills 28 people every day in the US, or nearly one every 52 minutes. More than 10,000 lives are lost annually due to driving under the influence.
If you have a DUI on your record, getting a job may be difficult and ruin your career. Although a single error does not render you completely unhirable, it may be tough to qualify for many jobs.
The truth is, it’s not easy to find employment with a DUI record, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
Working with a competent DUI attorney will help present your case and dismiss your DUI case off records. However, it depends on whether the DUI charge was the first for your drug charges for the attorney to throw your case off the records.
Let’s explore how a DUI case affects a person’s career.
1. Reduces Your Ability to Find Employment
With a DUI charge, your career opportunities are limited. Employers typically link criminal records to those who lack integrity or don’t follow instructions. Most job applications inquire if you have a criminal history.
Obtaining a DUI can impede your job hunt in many ways than just leaving negative marks on your record. You might not be able to drive for a while, which could leave you without a reliable way to go to work.
DUI charges are challenging to deal with, and failing to confront them in court may result in several setbacks. You can leverage qualified DUI lawyers in Wyoming to help present your case and to avoid harming your career path. You’ll be able to complete the procedure of having your records expunged.
2. High Chances of Losing Your Current Job
No matter what kind of work you do, a DUI case will probably impact it. Most people use a car to get to and from work, and some need a car to carry out their job duties.
Most people can’t afford the cost of a taxi or a private driver, and public transportation is sometimes inconvenient. Your career can take a hit if you cannot perform your work because you lack a valid driver’s license.
Also, your license will be suspended if you are detained due to a DUI. A DUI case will undoubtedly impact your job if you drive for a living. Similar to being in jail, missing work means your company may have to find a replacement.
Find a DUI lawyer with experience if you wish to prevent license suspension. An experienced DUI attorney may handle your case and ensure you win in court and at the DMV hearing.
3. Loss of Insurance
After a DUI conviction, you could still drive to and from work. However, just because the government permits you to keep your license doesn’t guarantee that the insurance provider would do the same.
After a DUI conviction, most insurance companies won’t offer coverage to a person. It is a big setback if you have to drive to work and your employer’s insurance provider declines to cover you.
While looking for a new provider of your DUI insurance, you might have to take some time off the road. Finding insurance that is not via your employer’s firm can be more expensive than it was before the DUI case.
4. Difficulty Getting Education
A DUI conviction or case may result in jail time or a license suspension. Being accused of DUI will affect your academic performance in high school or college. Not going to school will substantially impact your career.
Some colleges reject candidates with criminal records. For instance, it will be challenging to enroll in medical school if you have a DUI case. Therefore, if you were to train as a doctor, a DUI conviction would impact your career.
The good news is that you can enroll in a community college. Community institutions would not consider a DUI conviction unless it was a felony.
A DUI conviction may also result in losing scholarships or financial aid. If you are a student-athlete, you risk losing your spot on the team or receiving a lengthy suspension.
Even though your university doesn’t penalize students who break the law, a DUI can negatively affect your education. Your career is undoubtedly in jeopardy as well if you dont attend school.
5. Diversion Programs
Diversion or rehabilitation programs can help someone escape jail time. However, not everyone should select diversion programs, particularly if they are employed.
You must submit a guilty plea to be eligible for the program. Programs for diversion offer the required framework, but they also have drawbacks.
One of the effects is that the court can mandate that your employer be informed of the situation. You might even receive a visit from a caseworker at your employment.
You risk losing your job if your employer learns about it and has a mandatory firing policy. This is valid even if you could keep your license and avoid jail time.
6. Missing Time From Work
You still need to show up for court appearances even if your employer decides not to terminate you after a DUI case. Additionally, you could have to sign up for a drug rehab program, which would make you miss work even more.
DUI charges can get you fired if you consistently miss work. This is because frequent absence from work negatively impacts your productivity in an organization.
And low-quality work may lead to failure in your organization. No organization is willing to take such huge risks that can lead to closure or incur losses.
Take Away
It is beyond doubt that a DUI conviction can have a wide range of consequences. A DUI case can have many adverse effects on your career, many of which we have already covered, including losing your job.
After a few drinks, consider your readiness for the repercussions before getting behind the wheel. Do not allow a DUI case or conviction to ruin your career.