Not many people think about the long-term effects of a DUI when they are first arrested. A DUI can have a major effect on your career, and it’s important to do everything you can to avoid it.
You can lose your current job
Usually, a DUI is considered a criminal offense. That means that if you get convicted of a DUI, your employer has the right to fire you. In some cases, your employer may not even allow you to keep your job if they find out that you have been arrested for a DUI. Some employers worry about the reputation of their company, and they may not want to associate themselves with someone who has been convicted.
You may have trouble finding a job in the future
Even if you don’t lose your job, a DUI can still make it difficult to find a new one. Many employers will run a background check before they offer you a position, and a DUI will show up on your record. This can give employers the impression that you are not responsible or that you may have problems with alcohol. As a result, you may have trouble finding a job in the future.
You may lose your professional license
If you have a professional license, such as a license to practice law or medicine, you may lose it if you get convicted of a DUI. In some states, a DWI is typically considered an act of moral turpitude. That means that it shows that you are not trustworthy or upstanding. When you lose your professional license, it can be very difficult to get it back.
You may lose clients or customers
If you’re a prominent member of your business community, a DUI can damage your reputation. You may lose clients or customers as a result. This is especially true if you work in a field where people are entrusting you with their safety, such as transportation or healthcare.
Clearly, a DUI can have a major effect on your career. While the best option is to avoid it, if you’re arrested for a DUI, consider the several options of fighting the charges, which include proving that the arresting officer did not have probable cause or that the breathalyzer test was inaccurate.