A DUI conviction may cause difficulties in your career, depending on your field of work.
If you go out for drinks after work with a few co-workers, you may not think much of getting behind the wheel and driving home — until you see the flashing lights of a police car behind you. Being arrested for a DUI can be embarrassing and scary. You will likely have a lot of questions about what will happen to you. Will you lose your license, go to jail, or have to get an ignition interlock device? Another worry may creep in for some people: if you are convicted of a DUI, will you lose your job?
The answer to many of these questions is “it depends.” The facts of your specific case will determine the outcome. Most first-time DUI cases are charged as misdemeanors, but if there are aggravating factors — such as if you caused injury, drove at excessive speed or had a child in the car — then it could be charged differently.
When it comes to your job, a lot will depend on what kind of work you do and what your employer’s policies are regarding criminal records. If you drive for a living, for example, then a DUI conviction will likely have a very negative impact on your career. After all, if you cannot do the work that you were hired to perform, then it will likely be a basis for your employer to terminate your position.
If you are on the hunt for a job, then a DUI conviction could make it difficult for you to find a job. Employers run background checks as a matter of course, and for certain positions, have a criminal record or a DUI conviction may prevent you from being hired. For example, if you apply for a childcare position, any job that involves driving, a job in the medical field, a position in the education field, a sales position that involves driving or even a job handling cash or direct contact with the public, an employer may be reluctant to hire you. In these situations, the hiring manager or employer may not be willing to take a chance to hire someone with a history or driving under the influence — even if it was a one-time event or if you never drank on the job — because it could harm their business. Having a strong reference or letter of recommendation can often help to counter that criminal history.
Of course, the best way to not have a DUI conviction impact your job is to not be convicted of a DUI in the first place. While there are no guarantees in a criminal case, hiring a top notch Los Angeles DUI defense lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. At the Chambers Law Firm, we are skilled at helping our clients achieve favorable deals in DUI cases, including having charges reduced or dismissed whenever possible. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
