Being arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence) can be a scary and overwhelming experience. However, the consequences of a conviction are severe, which is why you must take a proactive approach to defend yourself.
If convicted, you may have to pay significant fines, jail time and face other personal and professional consequences. Here, you can learn more about the potential impact of a DUI conviction on your job or career.
The impact on your current job
If you are convicted of DUI, you must find out if you have to let your current employer know about the situation. Depending on the severity of the offense and the penalties you face, you may not have a choice but to disclose this information, especially if you are sentenced to jail. Sometimes, employers will not act because of a conviction, but this varies based on your situation. For example, if you drive for a living, your conviction will likely significantly impact your ability to continue working for your current employer.
The impact on your future job search
A DUI conviction means you have a criminal record. A criminal record can hurt future employment prospects. Again, if you drive for a living, this will have a bigger impact than with other jobs. When searching for a job, you may find that you continue to have issues.
Fighting DUI charges
As you can see, the impact of DUI charges can be significant. Because of this, it is best to take steps to build a strong defense. Knowing your legal rights will help you avoid a conviction that could impact your current and future job opportunities.