Unfortunately, getting a DUI is a problem many people have to deal with; every year, police arrest around 1.4 million people in the United States for driving under the influence.
A charge of DUI means you are behind the wheel with more than the legal blood alcohol level, or you have drugs in your system. The legal blood alcohol limit is .08 percent in every state.
So what happens after getting a DUI? It depends how many offenses you have. Also, it can depend on the level of your offense. Keep reading to find out more about getting charged with DUI and how it can affect your future.
How will a DUI affect my job, now, and in the future?
Getting a job with a DUI might be harder now. This list will help you figure out whether a DUI will affect your career.
1. It may prevent you from getting a job offer, even if you’re qualified
In some cases, a company policy may prevent hiring someone with a DUI on their record. This is especially true if the job requires you to drive a company vehicle, some, or all of the time.
If this is the case, a DUI on your record will affect your hiring. It doesn’t matter how qualified you are for the position. If you have a history of being reckless, future employers won’t want to take a chance on you.
2. Your driver’s license may get suspended, making it hard to get to a job
When convicted of driving under the influence, your license may be suspended.
Getting to work will be difficult if you can’t find consistent transportation. Missing work too often because of a suspended license will result in termination.
A company has to be able to rely on their employees. If you aren’t getting to work on time, they won’t have a choice but to fill your position with someone else.
3. You’ll need time off of work to handle everything
Even if you happen to keep your license, there are still ways a DUI can put your job in jeopardy.
If convicted of driving under the influence, you’ll have time away from work–especially if your conviction involves jail time. Between community service and court dates, you could be missing a lot of hours.
Most employers won’t be very forgiving of your time away.
4. Disqualified from using your Commercial Driver’s License for at least a year
Do you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)? A BAC of just .04% constitutes a DUI if you’re driving a commercial vehicle.
If driving is a requirement of your current job, a DUI on your record could cause you to lose it, and it could prevent you from getting future jobs where driving is required. The DUI will remain on your record for many years. Most employers don’t want to hire a driver that has a history that includes a DUI.
5. Expensive Insurance
If your employer provides car insurance for you, the presence of a DUI could affect that insurance.
Prices for insurance go up when you have a record. There’s no guarantee your employer will want to pay for the extra costs.
Getting a Job with a DUI
How do you get a job with a DUI? Honesty about your past can be the best way to go. Always speak to your lawyer about the job application first.
When turning in a new application, include letters with your probation officer’s recommendations. If the interviewer sees you’ve come a long way, they will be more likely to be willing to hire you.
Help with Your DUI
Getting a DUI might seem like the end of the world. David Tarr is a DUI Lawyer in Columbia SC with over twenty-eight years of experience. He can help you deal with all aspects of a DUI charge. He might be able to get lesser charges, reduce fines, or get it dismissed all together.