If you are accused of a DUI, one of the most pressing issues may be what will happen to your job. The reality is that many employers will terminate an employee who is convicted of a DUI, because they represent a threat to the company. You may even have a clause in your employment contract that states that certain convictions or arrests will lead to the loss of your job.
It’s not unusual for companies to have mandatory firing policies stating that anyone who is convicted of a crime could be terminated. It may also be your responsibility to let your employer know if you have been arrested, so they can plan the next steps.
It’s more likely that you’ll be terminated from your position if your employer has a mandatory firing policy or if your DUI affects your work. For example, if you get a DUI and drive for a living, your employer may no longer be able to insure you. Even if they can, insuring you to drive for them may cost more than hiring someone new. On top of that, allowing an employee with history of a DUI to drive could hurt the employer’s reputation if you later get into a collision.
Not all employers let their employees go if a DUI charge becomes a conviction, but yours may be one that does. If that’s the case, the best thing to do is to fight the charges and to do all you can to avoid a conviction, so you can maintain your rights and keep your job.
How can your attorney help?
Facing a potential job loss can be scary, especially with the reality of how much a DUI could cost you in the short and long term. Your attorney’s goal will be to review your case and to see if any mistakes were made. They will also help by looking into alternative sentencing options and methods that can help reduce the penalties you face. In some cases, your attorney may be able to have the charges reduced or altered, so you face a charge for reckless driving, for example, instead of a DUI.
