MenuThere is no doubt that being arrested for drunk driving can ruin your life. Particularly, if you don’t hire the correct attorney. Speak to one of the experienced attorneys at George Law, (248) 470-4300. Losing your career is just one potential consequence of being convicted of drunk driving, but it is a very real possibility. Here are 9 ways that being charged with a DUI can destroy your career.
- A Suspended License: After being arrested for a DUI, your driver’s license is suspended. The consequences of this are obvious if you drive for a living; and it also affects your job even if you do not have to drive while actually on the job. You still need to get to work, so if you drive to work a drunk-driving conviction will have a serious impact on your career. Most people cannot afford to taking a taxi or hire a private driver. And public transportation? In Michigan? Good luck with that. No, your driver’s license is probably essential to your job. And, if so, your career can take a hit when you are arrested for drunk driving.
- Loss of Insurance: In Michigan, you may be eligible for a restricted license after a DUI conviction so that you can continue driving to work and then home after work. But just because the Michigan authorities allow you to keep your license, that does not mean that the insurance company will not penalize you. Many insurance companies refuse to provide insurance to people who have been convicted of drunk driving. This is a major problem if (i) you have to drive for your job, and (ii) your employer’s insurance company refuses to insure you. And if your own insurance company refuses to insure you, you may be off the road for some time while trying to find a new company. Regardless of what happens, you can be certain that your insurance is going to be far more expensive than it was before your DUI conviction.
- Possible Firing: More-and-more employers are including mandatory firings for convictions of a crime in their employee handbooks. When they do, they often also make it mandatory that you report the arrest to them as soon as possible. If this is the case, even a minor DUI charge may have you leaving your job sooner than you had planned.
- Diversion Programs: A diversion, or rehabilitative, program is something that a Michigan court may offer you to avoid going to jail for drunk driving. But to qualify for a diversion program you need to plead “guilty” or “no contest” to DUI or OWI, and the courts may make it mandatory that your employer is made aware of the situation. A case worker may even visit you at work. If your employer finds out, and they have a mandatory firing policy, you could still lose your job. Even if you have managed to keep your license and jail time, a DUI could possibly destroy your career.
- Loss of Professional License: Many professions have licenses that workers in that field must hold to qualify for their careers that will be impacted by a drunk-driving conviction. If you’re a lawyer (like me!), the State Bar of Michigan will impose a separate punishment if you are convicted of drunk driving. This is also the case for doctors, nurses, and accountants, to name just a few. One of the requirements of holding the license is that you must tell your employer immediately if you are convicted of a crime, such as drunk driving; and some agencies will even revoke your license. Again, a DUI conviction could result in the loss of your job.
- Missing Time from Work: Even if your employer decides not to fire you after you are convicted of DUI, or even if they never find out about it, you still must be present for court appearances. In addition, you may also be required to enroll in a substance-abuse program, causing you to miss even more work. Missing all this time from work can cause problems, and you may be fired from your job just for this reason.
- Difficulty with Future-Job Applications: If you are fired from your current job after a DUI conviction, you will need to find new work. But being convicted of drunk driving can make it more difficult for you to do so. Most applications ask if you have any arrests or convictions on your record. Even when they do not, the potential employer may still be able to find out from public records or your driver’s-license record, or by asking you why you left your last job.
- Difficulty Getting Education: Just as potential employers may not hire you if you have been convicted or arrested of a DUI, so too certain colleges and universities will not accept you. Applications for financial aid may also be turned down for the same reason. Some schools will still accept your application if you can prove that you have attended a treatment program, but not all will.
- Your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): Due to the serious nature of DUI convictions, they stay on a commercial driver’s license (CDL) for 55 years. If you need to drive for your career, there is a good possibility that you will simply need to find a new career.
It is indisputable that there are many consequences that can come after you are arrested or convicted of drunk driving; i.e, DUI or OWI — and losing your job is one of them. It is serious, and it is something everyone should think about before getting behind the wheel after having a few drinks. Don’t let a DUI destroy your career.
If you have been arrested for, or convicted of, any drunk driving offense, George Law can help you in court, get your conviction lowered, and possibly even help you keep your job. Speak to an experienced attorney at George Law today to give yourself a chance at keeping your career, and your life, in order. We are available 24/7, so call now: (248) 470-4300.