DUI Lawyer

Even before you contact a DUI lawyer, you probably already know that a DUI conviction can result in significant penalties. Whether it is a felony or a misdemeanor, it can be costly in several ways, including how it impacts your employment. Whether you already have a job, or wish to apply at a new company, a DUI conviction of any kind can be troublesome when it comes to job security. State laws vary when it comes to employment laws, so below is only a general overview. Check with your DUI lawyer to learn how a conviction may impact your situation. Ideally, you will be able to avoid getting a conviction, and with quality legal representation, it may be possible for your DUI lawyer to get your charges dropped altogether. This will depend largely on your circumstances.

At Will Consideration

A majority of the American workforce is employed “at will.” This means that an employee can be fired by their employer at any time and for any reason. In exchange, the employee can quit at any time and for any reason. There are exceptions to these general rules. For example, an employer cannot fire an employee based on the latter’s gender, race, or religion. However, in an “at will” environment, an employee who is convicted of a DUI is not protected from termination on the basis of that conviction. Though the employee usually has the right to drink alcohol when not at work as long as their blood alcohol content does not impair them from performing their job safely and to their employer’s satisfaction. However, a conviction for drinking and driving is often another matter. It is, after all, a crime and an employer has the right to fire an employee for committing a crime.

Hiring Laws

Though this varies from state to state, an employer usually has the right to refuse to hire someone who has a criminal history. That said, it is far more common for them to not hire someone with a felony conviction as opposed to them having a misdemeanor conviction on their criminal record. Depending on your circumstances, it may be possible for a DUI lawyer from our firm to get your DUI charge reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. In this way, when you fill out a job application and if it asks if you have ever been convicted of a felony, you can answer “no.” This can be the difference between getting a job and getting turned down. An exception to this may be a job in which the duties include driving a company vehicle. The employer, as well as their insurance agency, may require a perfect driving record and a clean criminal record.

Call An Attorney

If you were charged with a DUI, a lawyer may be able to help you avoid a conviction. Call a DUI lawyer Bloomington, IL relies on today for a case review.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Pioletti & Pioletti for their insight into criminal defense and DUI convictions.