If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you may be coming to grips with how it will affect your life. Don't let the fact that the charge is a misdemeanor mislead you, this is a very serious matter, and the punishments can be severe. One major issue that some DUI offenders seldom consider is how a DUI could affect their job. Read on to find out more.
The Financial Impact of DUI Charges
One of the main ways the justice system strikes back at DUI offenders is through their wallets. Many are shocked to find out how much money must be spent to pay fines and for court costs, classes, special driving licenses, and more. Almost every form of DUI punishment involves an outlay of cash and that can continue for several months if you are on probation, are monitored through an ignition interlock device, or are ordered to attend alcohol counseling and treatment. Obviously, this is no time to lose your job or have your job chances negatively affected by a DUI.
Will Your Employer Know About the DUI?
In most cases, employers won't know about the DUI unless you miss a lot of work or you tell them. However, if your job involves driving and you lose your driving privileges, you may indeed be fired for not having a valid drivers' license. Another issue is criminal background checks. A DUI conviction will be apparent if you must undergo such a check when getting a new job or renewing a security clearance.
Make a Decision That Keeps You Working
There is a lot you can do right away to help you keep your job and get later jobs. Your first step is to get a criminal defense lawyer to help you with your case. They can take actions that help in these ways:
Don't wait to seek help from a defense attorney. Your charges are not going to disappear and you need to take a proactive stance on dealing with your charges. Speak to a local DUI lawyer like Daniels Long & Pinsel today.
Share17 December 2020
Growing up in a law enforcement family, I learned a lot about how arrests take place, what goes into investigations, and more. That gave me a really unique insight when it comes to criminal defense options and the areas where there may be vulnerabilities or loopholes that can be used in court. I've done a lot of research into the legalities of criminal defense as well, so it's allowed me to merge the two and create a site that offers a comprehensive look at criminal defense options and the court's expectations. It's always best to work with a lawyer, but having an understanding of the basics first will help.