(Guest post; mainly based on criminal laws in the United States) DUI is an acronym for driving under the influence. DWI (driving while intoxicated) is the other phrase that is commonly used to refer to DUI. Whereas DUI is widely regarded as a misdemeanor in the United States, the consequences for operating an automobile while intoxicated can be grave if there are fatalities or injuries involved. It is illegal to operate an automobile in all the 50 states if your blood alcohol level is beyond 0.08%.
Will You Get Fired For Drunk Driving?
Besides the penalties enforced by the law courts and DMV (department of motor vehicle), drunk driving will not only cost you possible your current job, but future job prospects. Compulsory DUI classes are mandatory for all DUI offenders. It does not matter whether you are first-time offender or a second DUI offender. Other punishments for DWI include installation of ignition interlock device and suspension of your driver’s license.
It is a norm for prospective employers to carry out a criminal background check prior to recruiting likely staff. If it is discovered that you have a DUI record, your chances of being hired will be greatly reduced. Therefore, before drinking and driving, you need to know that a DUI offense will affect your future employment opportunities as well as your current job.
Compulsory DUI Classes
Alcohol education classes are compulsory following a DUI arrest in all the 50 states. Alcohol education classes will most definitely affect your employment since they are court-ordered sessions and as such you have no other choice but to attend. Failure to attend the alcoholic anonymous classes means that you are in contempt of court and as such the presiding judge may order for your arrest.
Consequently, you have no other choice but to make the necessary arrangements so as to prevent the AA sessions colliding with your work schedule. Then again, in order to schedule your work around the DUI classes means that you have to inform your boss or supervising officer that you have been arrested for DUI, something which may make you ineligible for several positions within the company. It is for this reason that you need to hire the services of an experienced and skilled DUI attorney even before addressing the problem of DUI arrest with your boss.
Suspended Driver’s License
Your driver’s license can be suspended by the state’s DMV following a DUI arrest. Suspension of your driver’s license can present a myriad of issues at your place of employment since you won’t be able to fulfill most of your contractual obligations if you cannot drive. Depending on someone else for a ride to work on a daily basis may also not be possible and as such you will have to contend with reporting to work late on almost a daily basis.
Depending on the nature of your job, then a DUI offense might have to be reported to your employer soon after your arrest. Therefore, if your job entails making deliveries to customers, you will be relieved of your duties. Since making deliveries to clients requires a driving license, your employer may no longer see the need of keeping you on their payroll. On the other hand, DUI offenses tend to increase the amount you pay in insurance premiums. Your employer may find such an increment less economical and as such may decide to terminate your employment.
Hiring a DUI attorney is important following your DUI arrest as he or she will help in fighting the notice to suspend your driver’s license by the state’s department of motor vehicle.
About Guest Post Author:
Christopher J. McCann is a practicing Santa Ana DUI attorney at the law offices of Christopher J. McCann who was recently awarded his 6th SuperLawyers Magazine “Rising Star” award. You can follow Chris tweets at @cjm_law_firm
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