DUI charges can affect your life in many ways. A criminal record can make it difficult to secure loans, lead to jail time, result in a loss of your driver’s license and have an impact on your career.
Background checks
When you apply for a job, your potential employer will likely run a background check to confirm that the information you have provided on your application is accurate. However, some employers also use background checks to determine if an applicant has a criminal record. If your DUI charge appears on your criminal record, it could prevent you from getting hired for the job. Thankfully, having the right criminal defense at the outset of your case can help to ensure that your criminal record does not affect your ability to secure employment in the future.
Job loss
If you are already employed, a DUI conviction can lead to you losing your job. Many employers have strict policies in place that prohibit employees from engaging in criminal activity. If you’re convicted of DUI, your employer may view it as a violation of their policy and terminate your employment.
Difficulty finding a job
Usually, when an employer is considering hiring someone with a criminal record, they will weigh the nature of the offense against the job requirements. For example, if you are applying for a position that requires you to drive, a DUI conviction can make it difficult for you to get hired. This is because your criminal record would indicate that you cannot be trusted to operate a vehicle safely.
Job performance
Even if you are not convicted of DUI, simply getting charged can affect your job. If your job requires you to drive, for example, you may be unable to perform your duties if your driver’s license is suspended. This could lead to a loss of income or even termination from your job.
While a DUI conviction can have a negative impact on your employment, it is not impossible to find a job after being convicted of DUI. Besides putting up a strong criminal defense to avoid a conviction, you can also look for jobs with employers that are willing to hire people with criminal records.