Driving under influence (DUI) is dangerous regardless of where you are from or your driving experience. Besides posing a threat to your safety, operating a vehicle while intoxicated also endangers the safety of other road users. This explains why Virginia, like all the other states, has severe penalties for DUI convictions.
The consequences of a DUI conviction go beyond the suspension of your driver’s license, fines and jail time. A DUI conviction can also impact other areas of your life such as your career. Here are three ways a DUI conviction can impact your career and job prospects.
Loss of freedom
Whether you are found guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor (for first-time offenders) or a Class 6 felony (for repeat offenders), a DUI conviction can result in jail time. Whether you spend five days or one year behind bars, you are likely not going to fulfill your obligation to your employer while incarcerated. And this will definitely result in your dismissal from your role.
A stain on your record
A DUI conviction goes into your Virginia criminal record. It is not unusual for a potential employer to ask questions like “have you been previously convicted of any crime?” An affirmative answer to this question can work against you during the recruitment process. And the last thing you want is to miss out on a dream job because you have a DUI on your criminal record.
Loss of practice license
Some jobs tend to be extremely at risk following a DUI conviction. These include:
- Truck driving jobs
- Teaching
- Certain professions such as medicine, law and industrial machine operators
A DUI conviction can result in the loss of your practice certificate if you are a member of any of these professions.
A DUI conviction can spell doom for job and career prospects. If you are accused of driving under influence, it is important that you take appropriate steps to defend yourself so your charges can be reduced or dropped altogether.