Don't Let A DWI Endanger Your Job Situation
Posted on: 7 May 2020
Driving under while intoxicated (DWI) charges are a cut above many charges. The lobbying efforts of organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) have shined a light on impaired driving, and punishments have become increasingly serious. Those wide-ranging penalties will often affect the right to drive a vehicle. Unfortunately, a side effect of those penalties could lead to the endangerment of a job. Read on to find out more.
License Losses
In almost all cases, the department of motor vehicles (DMV) automatically suspends the driver's license of someone arrests for DWI. Depending on the outcome of the case, a regular driver's license won't be issued for many months. Until then, speak to your defense lawyer about requesting a so-called hardship license. These special, restricted licenses are only available to those who show a need to drive, that don't have an extensive DWI record, and that can afford to pay the price for the license. If you are able to secure one of these licenses, you won't be able to drive just anywhere. You are often restricted to work, medical needs, etc. If you have to drive to work, this is a good option. For those whose job involves driving, you might not be as lucky.
Driving Jobs
Depending on what your driving job entails, you may not be able to continue driving with a hardship license. If you have a license to drive certain populations, such as special needs adults or senior citizens, you may end up losing your job if you are charged and convicted of DWI. Other jobs where a lot of driving is done may not be able to cover you with their insurance if you have a DWI. Still others have special licenses, like a chauffeur's license, that are revoked with a DWI. Finally, those driving large trucks may face a battle to keep their jobs if they are convicted of DWI.
Future Job Prospects
It's vital that you avoid being convicted of DWI. A conviction stays on your record and will be visible for any prospective employers. Background checks are very common for all types of jobs and the presence of a DWI arrest and conviction could be visible potentially forever. You may be able to have the arrest and the charges expunged if you were not convicted, however. Talk to your criminal defense lawyer about avoiding a conviction, and to talk about having your criminal record cleared.
To learn more about the ways that a dwi attorney can help, contact professional services in your area.
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