A DUI can impact a person’s employment in various ways, depending on what they do for a living. Some employers have zero tolerance for any sort of criminal conviction, while others may still employ someone with misdemeanor offenses or certain lower-level crimes. Most DUIs are misdemeanors, although aggravating factors can increase the severity of charges.
If you are accused of intoxicated driving, be proactive in protecting your career and future. Consult Grand Canyon Law Group on minimizing the impact of a Phoenix DUI on employment. Our dedicated DUI attorneys are here to fight for you and your way of life.
Many DUIs are misdemeanors, which do not affect most careers. However, certain professionals like teachers, doctors, nurses, or real estate agents may have difficulty keeping their licenses. They may be subject to discipline by the board that oversees their licensure.
Additionally, a DUI charge could significantly impact anyone who drives for a living. This could include truckers, police, firefighters, Uber or Lyft drivers, Amazon drivers, or any who works in delivery service. A DUI conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license or require a person to install an interlock device in their car. Our experienced Phoenix lawyers work to prevent these DUI outcomes and preserve a person’s ability to do their job.
How an employer will treat a DUI charge is case-specific. Some employers regularly do background checks, while others do not. If there is a likelihood that a person’s employer will find out, it is often best to disclose the DUI to them and let them know the circumstances. Often, employers appreciate that level of integrity or honesty rather than finding out through a background check.
When a person is arrested for DUI, this starts the court process to determine whether they committed the offense. Many employers or state licensing agencies will not take action or impose discipline while the case is pending in court. They will give the person the presumption of innocence until they are convicted.
A conviction, either by a judge or jury verdict or by pleading guilty, may impact the person’s employment. To prevent career consequences, jail time, fines, or loss of driver’s license, a DUI defendant should contact a Phoenix lawyer as soon as possible.
If a convicted person is applying for a job, they may have an opportunity to explain the DUI on their record in the application, interview, or background check process. What did they do to remedy the situation, and how have they learned from it? Having that conversation with a current or potential employer may be beneficial, as it may persuade the employer to keep or hire the individual. Talking to an employer about a DUI conviction can be difficult, but it may be essential to preserving one’s career prospects.
A mark on your criminal and driving record can affect every area of your life, including your employment. The best way to protect your career interests is to fight against a conviction with an experienced attorney. At Grand Canyon Law Group, we understand the impact of a Phoenix DUI on employment and know how to fight to preserve your future.
Even if you are convicted, there are options for having the DUI set aside, allowing you to regain certain licenses and continue to work in your industry. Regardless of your circumstances, we are here to help. Give us a call today to discuss your situation.