DUI Job Loss

Across the nation, drinking and driving is a serious offense. An offender may face many penalties if convicted of driving under the influence: probation, loss of driving privileges, drug and alcohol treatment, fines, and potentially jail time. He or she may also face other life-altering consequences such as DUI job loss.

If you are like most people, you have probably never considered that a DUI conviction could lead to job loss. However, after a drunk-driving charge, many factors that may lead to loss of employment come into play.

It all begins when you are first arrested for drunk driving. If you are unable to post bail, your boss will more than likely not look favorably on your calling out of work because you are incarcerated.

In some states, you can lose your driver’s license before you are even convicted of DUI. This is known as an administrative driver’s license suspension and is imposed by the DMV on drivers who either fail or refuse to take the chemical test. Unless you live in a big city with convenient public transportation, getting to or from work without a license is difficult.

One of the penalties that a judge may sentence you to is community service. Because of the time commitment involved, you may be forced to ask for time off from work so you can fulfill the duties assigned to you. As you work fewer hours, you will earn less money, even as you are incurring fine after fine from the court.

Some employers require a clean driving record, such as trucking companies or delivery services. If you have a DUI violation on your record, you will more than likely be terminated. You can also have problems finding a new job if your potential employer requires a clean background check.

Don’t let a DUI charge affect your employment! Contact an attorney who focuses on DUI defense to help you during this difficult time. An experienced defense attorney may help you avoid DUI job loss and other penalties associated with a drunk-driving conviction.