Updated January 22, 2023
Though a DUI may not completely ruin your life, it can make it difficult to earn a living if you don’t know how to successful deal with the situation. In addition to possibly paying up to $2,000 in fines for a first offense conviction in total, defendants face legal expenses and the costs to retain expert witnesses, if necessary. Financial strain may not end with the conclusion of a DUI case. Depending on their careers, individuals charged with DUI or DWI may have trouble obtaining new employment.
However, today you absolutely can still get good paying new jobs with a DUI conviction on your background record, and a DUI, DWI offense does not have to be a career-ending obstacle. Many employers understand that people make mistakes and are willing to give candidates a second chance.
For example, some companies have specialized in giving opportunities to ex-offenders, such as Home Depot and Walmart. Additionally, there are many industries such as the transportation and logistics, construction, and healthcare, where a DUI conviction is not always a disqualifying factor.
A free arrest review can help you understand the specific laws and regulations in your state regarding background checks and employment, and provide you with strategies for addressing the conviction in job interviews.
Furthermore, it can help you identify job opportunities that may be more forgiving of a DUI conviction, such as positions in the non-profit sector, government, or small businesses. Additionally, it can help you with resume building and interview preparation to present yourself in the best possible light.
It’s important to be transparent about the conviction but also to highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications. By focusing on your strengths and the positive changes you’ve made since the conviction, you can demonstrate to potential employers that you are a responsible and capable candidate.
With determination, hard work, and the right approach, you can still land the job you want, even with a DUI on your record. Remember, everyone deserves a second chance and a DUI conviction should not define you or limit your potential.
Off-limits employment
People who drive school buses or commercial vehicles may not be able to resume their careers after being charged with DUI. Just one drunk or drugged driving charge can put these jobs permanently off-limits. Outside sales representatives may also find it difficult to obtain employment because their car insurance companies may make rates unaffordable or even cancel their policies. If the employer provides the vehicle and auto insurance coverage, these individuals will probably not qualify for employment.
A DUI-related charge remains on the driving record for several years, determined at a state level. If the driver license is suspended as part of the penalties for a DUI, the car insurance company will most likely cancel any insurance policy in force. DUI offenders are typically restricted to working in office jobs and even then, employment possibilities may be limited to certain types of work.
If getting a job does not prove to be a problem for someone charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, getting to and from work may be. If the vehicle registration, insurance, or license is suspended, driving the car will not be an option. Carpooling will be possible only if neighbors are understanding and are commuting to the same area. Public transportation may not be available, particularly in rural areas or for workers with long commutes.
Avoiding the employment consequences of DUI
One of the best ways to prevent a DUI from affecting future employment is to fight it. Though anyone can defend against this charge, an experienced DUI lawyer builds the best case. With help from this type of legal expert, even repeat offenders have fought and won their DUI cases, limiting the potential effects on their careers.
Finding an expert attorney with knowledge of state DUI laws and a reputation for winning cases in an ethical manner can be difficult. Rather than spending time combing through the telephone book and searching online, let FightDUICharges.com match you with the best specialist in this field of law for the case. Request a free DUI arrest evaluation today for options to toss out the charges, and then decide if you would talk to one of our recommended case-winning lawyers tomorrow.
Taryn J. White is a legal research specialist and DUI law news reporter. Her current accomplishments include helping those facing any driving under the influence arrest charges, get free online assistance in learning how to fight a DUI case for the best possible outcome.
