When you are facing DUI charges, you have a lot of concerns. You aren’t sure what fines you will face, if you will have to spend time in jail and how long your license will be suspended. You also may be worried about if a DUI conviction will impact your employment. Will you lose your job because of a DUI?
When a DUI will impact your employment
Most DUI convictions are misdemeanors and likely won’t result in you losing your job. However, you could face problems with your employment in the following circumstances:
- You have a commercial driver’s license. If you are a truck driver or bus driver with a commercial driver’s license, Pennsylvania will disqualify your license for one year with a DUI conviction. Your DUI doesn’t have to occur while you are using your CDL though.
- You drive for a living. If you drive a delivery truck, taxi or limo, you may lose your job with a DUI conviction.
- You work closely with children. Some positions where you work closely with children have higher standards than other jobs and you may lose your job if you receive a DUI conviction.
- You are in the military. If you are in the military and the military convicts you of a DUI, you can face a demotion in rank, a salary cut and losing your security clearance.
- You receive a felony DUI conviction. If this is a repeat DUI offense, or you injured someone else or caused damage in a drunk driving accident, you could face a felony DUI conviction. Some companies have policies to fire those convicted of felonies.
What to do when facing a DUI
If you are facing DUI charges, you should consult an experienced criminal law attorney. An attorney can help you get your DUI charges reduced or dismissed or advocate for fewer penalties. With avoiding having a DUI on your record, it won’t come up in background checks. You won’t be limited from pursing specialized licenses or training. You will keep your future employment options open.