Even with strict rules and solid preventive efforts in states, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs is a common offense. Surprisingly, people arrested and charged for DUI don’t always realize how serious the consequences could be when found guilty.
On top of fines and revocation of your driving license, a DUI conviction can be a disaster in your professional life. The impacts are more real if you consider that 94% of organizations conduct background checks before hiring a job applicant.
When facing DUI charges, get reliable legal advice from an experienced DUI defense lawyer. A reliable attorney will use every lawful means to help you fight the charges. Meltzer & Bell law firm can help you fight DUI charges and get back to your everyday life as fast as possible.
Want to learn more about how DUI affects your future? Read on to find out what to expect and the most suitable way to handle DUI charges.
Will a DUI Appear on Background Checks?
The conviction will appear on your driving and criminal records if the law finds you guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The impact on your professional and general life can be extensive and profound.
When in a situation that needs a background check, such as when looking for employment, your potential employers will see your past DUI arrests and convictions. They may decide not to hire you based on what they’ll find. DUI will also show up when required to present driving records, which brings us to the next big question:
How long will DUI stay on your record, and will it ever go away?
You can erase DUI arrests and convictions from your driving record after a few years, provided you didn’t commit additional serious crimes.
Sadly, a DUI conviction can be permanent on your criminal record, depending on your criminal history and other factors. This will have a massive impact on your future employment prospects.
Note: If you were arrested, but the law declared you innocent, the arrest will not appear on your criminal record. DUI only appears on your records when found guilty.
So, don’t take it lightly if you are accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A conviction could turn your professional life upside down and bring about an unexpected financial burden.
Get legal advice from a qualified DUI attorney to take advantage of all lawful means of avoiding being found guilty.
You Are Facing DUI Charges: What Jobs Won’t You Get When Convicted?
While employment laws prevent employers from mistreating someone with a criminal record, there are specific jobs you will never qualify for as a DUI convict. Depending on the job position and the region, some professions require a clean background, such as law enforcement careers, teaching, government jobs, and nursing.
The same goes for positions that require driving a personal or company car as a daily part of the business, such as truck driving. Recruiting someone with a DUI criminal record may be highly risky or impracticable for such a job position.
DUI charges are serious when they translate into a conviction. Brace yourself with a qualified attorney before DUI turns your future upside down.
How Will DUI Conviction Affect Your Insurance Premiums?
Auto insurance is all about risk from the insurer’s perspective. For this reason, you will almost always pay higher than normal auto insurance rates with a DUI on your criminal record. In the worst scenario, obtaining auto insurance may even be difficult. That’s because a DUI convict is a high-risk driver.
How much will your insurance go up after a DUI conviction?
DUI rates vary depending on your state and other insurance factors. Statistics say that the normal, average auto insurance premium in Florida is $2250. But it skyrockets to $3614 if you’re a DUI convict.
How Else Will a DUI Conviction Affect You?
DUI convictions in Florida and most states are progressive. If you are found guilty, the consequences become more severe when convicted again.
When charged with DUI, you risk losing your driver’s license for a specified period, paying huge fines that increase with future DUI crimes, and serving in a residential alcoholism or drug abuse treatment program.
Depending on how drunk you were when arrested, your state may force you to install an interlock device on your vehicle for several months. This device measures alcohol in the car, so you can’t drive if alcohol is detected.
Additionally, a DUI conviction can prevent your ability to travel internationally. Some countries like Canada may not allow you to cross their borders with a criminal record.
You’ve Been Charged With DUI: What Should You Do?
DUI convicts face employment consequences, such as restrictions on driving ability. This can be a serious issue if your job requires driving. Most importantly, a DUI conviction can be permanent on your criminal record. The record will show up when employers run background checks, which could significantly limit your ability to get or maintain a working position.
When facing DUI charges, contact Meltzer & Bell, P. A. A DUI lawyer from our firm will help you in the following ways:
- Offer reliable legal guidance: Our long experience in the industry and extensive knowledge of DUI laws put us in a great position to guide you through the entire process. Our legal guidance will keep you from making mistakes that affect your case.
We will help you understand the charges, your legal options, and all possible outcomes. Then, we will create a personalized defense strategy that prioritizes your needs and is designed to bring the best possible results.
- Protect your employment future: A DUI criminal record may limit your job opportunities in the future. An attorney from Meltzer and Bell will use all legally possible means to help you fight the charges and get back to your everyday life as soon as possible.
If you haven’t already been convicted of a DUI, book a FREE case evaluation to help you return to your everyday life as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, call Meltzer & Bell, P.A. Don’t risk your employment future—we can help you secure it.
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