How A DUI Conviction Can Prevent You From Finding A Job

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When you think about a criminal background affecting the job search, you might think about felonies. However, even though a DUI is often not a felony—unless you have had multiple convictions in the past or unless the details surrounding your case are serious, such as if someone was seriously injured in an accident that was caused when you were drinking and driving—it can still affect your ability to find a job. These are a few reasons why.

Loss of Driver's License

First of all, if you are convicted of a DUI, you could lose your driver's license for a year or more, depending on where you live and the details of your case. This alone could make it difficult for you to even look for a job in the first place, since you might not have reliable transportation. It could also prevent you from getting any type of job that requires you to hold a driver's license.

Increased Commercial Insurance Rates

If you apply for a job that will require you to drive commercial vehicles, you might not get hired if you have a DUI conviction on your record. Even if you have a limited license after your DUI conviction—which is often granted for work purposes—or even if you have lost your license and gotten it back, potential employers might have to pay much more in commercial insurance costs to hire a driver who has a DUI on his or her driving record. This can cause many employers to stop in their tracks and instead look for someone who has a better driving record and who won't drive their insurance costs up.

Sign of Irresponsibility

The truth is that many people see a DUI conviction on a person's criminal background as being a sign of irresponsibility. Since many employers are looking for reliable, responsible employees who they can trust, this can be a deal breaker and could be enough to cause you to miss out on a whole lot of potential job opportunities, even if you do not actually have a felony on your criminal record.

As you can see, a DUI conviction can affect your life in many ways. Not only do you have to worry about facing consequences in the court room, but you also have to worry about how your DUI conviction will affect you in your life afterward. If you are facing DUI charges, now is the time to work with an attorney to help ensure the best possible outcome when you go to court. Contact a law office like the Jack Weatherill Law Offices for additional information.


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