Driving under the influence is an offense that is placed on the criminal record upon conviction. Getting a DUI can have long-term consequences from an employment perspective which is based on how long a DUI is on your record. However, mistakes can be made during DUI arrests and a good defense lawyer will identify and point these out to the court. If a DUI arrest does not result in conviction, the outcome will be different.
DUI Convictions Will Remain on Your Driving Record
After being convicted of a DUI and facing the monetary consequences and license suspension, many people think the worst is behind them. Unfortunately, a DUI conviction can remain on the driving record for between three and twelve years based on state of residence. While the DUI is on the record, the state court system will view the individual as a repeat offender. How employers view the conviction can be just as damaging.
In most states, a DUI conviction is considered a driving infraction and a serious crime. Many employers conduct criminal background checks prior to extending employment offers. These investigations may reveal both DUI arrests and convictions. These blemishes will remain on the criminal record forever unless the record is sealed.
Getting a DUI Dismissed is Important
An important distinction exists between a DUI arrest and a conviction. When a court dismisses a DUI case, a note is added to the criminal record explaining that the charge was dropped. An employer may not view this as a deterrent to hiring the individual. Employers take DUI convictions more seriously but according to state law, even a conviction may not prevent someone from being hired.
DUI and Current Employers
Employed individuals often worry that a DUI will affect their current jobs. In some cases, it might, but usually only if it results in a conviction. DUI penalties typically include driver license suspension so workers who drive company vehicles may lose their jobs. If jail time is a penalty of DUI conviction, the time away from work can lead to firing for excessive absenteeism. Individuals who work in the public eye may be terminated based on the potential affect on the employer’s reputation.
The good news is that employers are not usually permitted to inquire about a DUI arrest that did not result in conviction. While good DUI attorneys never recommend lying about a DUI conviction, they may also advise clients not to volunteer information regarding a DUI charge that was dropped. Consult an attorney through DUIRights.com to learn about regulations in your state and how to handle a DUI arrest or conviction.
DUIRights Support is comprised of legal writers and attorneys who are able to generate useful information about issues relating to DUI. Please use all information at your own discretion and never use the information as legal advice without consulting with an attorney.
Well this is my mother’s 2nd charge and she has no prior offenses, besides the 1st DUI, and is awaiting court. She wasn’t even arrested. She was alone and does not remember what happened after leaving her brother’s house. She awoke in the hospital not knowing anything but her d.l. were missing and her BAC was 3x’s over. I was called by a nurse to pick her up from the ER and the doctor informed me of the rest. I know the police must’ve gone in her wallet to take her d.l. and her insurance envelope was on the visor, so they had proof of that. She also found a ticket written by the officer for DUI.
She needs legal help right away. Make sure we can contact her by filling out the free DUI evaluation form.
Most DUI’s get a conviction so stop with “the good news is.”
This is not true. Especially if you have an experienced DUI attorney. Maybe with multiple charges a conviction is more likely.