Georgia DUI Job Loss
Jail. Expensive fines. Community service. It’s no surprise that a DUI conviction can mean serious consequences. Unfortunately, these are only the most obvious penalties for a DUI conviction. Many times, a DUI conviction can end careers both now and in the future.
Let’s assume that you have been employed at the same company for almost a decade. You enjoy your job and the people you work with and have had no previous run-in with the law. For many drivers facing a DUI, this is a likely scenario. One day, you are stopped by police officers and are arrested for drinking and driving. As it stands, your employer and fellow coworkers do not know about the arrest and you may not be obligated to tell them since you have not been convicted of DUI yet. Before notifying your employer of your DUI arrest, you should immediately contact a DUI defense attorney at HTW&W.
Without a lawyer or even a qualified DUI defense attorney representing you, it’s likely that you will be convicted of DUI. The prosecution will be presenting evidence against you, so make sure you have a lawyer who is prepared to refute the prosecution’s claims.
If you are convicted of DUI, your employer can fire you. At the very least, some employers ban DUI convicts from any company activities that involve driving. If your position relies heavily on your ability to drive (if you’re a truck driver or travel often on business) you’ll have to find other means of employment.
And while the old adage goes “time heals all wounds” that is not necessarily true if you are convicted of DUI. Many employers run a background check and even review the driving histories of candidates seeking employment. Some go back a certain number of years, while other employers check your driving history as far back as your state has kept your record.
If you work for the government or another high security position, be prepared to have your record scrutinized. Don’t let a DUI conviction ruin your life. Instead, contact a qualified DUI defense attorney to represent you. Your attorney can prevent an arrest from turning into a conviction!
