If you get a DWI, you may start by considering the immediate ramifications. You could end up spending time behind bars. You may lose your driver’s license. You could have to pay significant financial fines, and your car insurance payments could go up.
But it’s important to remember that a DWI conviction can have a much wider effect on your life, especially on your finances. How is it going to impact your job? What hurdles could it create for future employment? These are important questions to ask when facing DWI charges.
Could you be fired from your job?
First of all, many employees are not fired after getting a DWI, and they may not even have to report it to their employer. But it certainly is possible.
For example, some businesses have a code of conduct that employees are supposed to follow. If an employee breaks the law and violates this code, they could be terminated. Additionally, at-will employees can generally be fired for almost any reason at all, as long as it’s not illegal, so an employer could simply make the decision to let someone go after a DWI conviction.
Additionally, employees who have contracts may have clauses requiring them to follow the law and avoid any criminal convictions. Even if a DWI seems like a “minor issue,” it could still be a violation of that contract.
Finally, driving is a critical component of many jobs. Perhaps you have a commercial driver’s license. Maybe you work as a rideshare driver or a forklift operator. If you lose your driver’s license, you could wind up losing your job simply because it’s impossible for you to perform your work-related duties. Even if you merely need a car to commute to work and back, that could cost you your job if you can’t drive.
Future employment
A DWI can also affect your future employment options. You may be barred from certain professional licenses, such as a commercial driver’s license or even a medical license that was revoked by the board. This would mean that you no longer meet the qualifications for the position.
Moreover, many employers will run background checks. Even if driving isn’t an important part of the job you’re applying for, they could see your criminal record. This can factor into hiring decisions. If you and another candidate have similar qualifications, but you have a DWI on your record and they do not, they may get the job.
Legal defense options
Because a DWI can be so serious and have a major impact on your future, you must understand all of your legal defense options when facing charges.
