I Got a DWI: What Are the Career Consequences?

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious crime that affects the lives of thousands of people across Texas every year. If you’ve been arrested, charged, and ultimately convicted of DWI, you face a lot of criminal consequences. These include suspension of your driver’s license, fines, time in jail and other penalties. Aside from criminal consequences, a DWI can also have a major impact on your career. Today, we will answer the following question: Can I lose my job if I get a DUI?

Mandatory Firing

There are companies in Texas that operate with a mandatory firing policy. This policy is often enacted when an employee is arrested for a specific crime, such as theft, sexual assault or DWI. If your employer has a mandatory firing policy, you will likely lose your job if arrested for DWI. Employers that have a policy such as this in place often require their employees to notify them immediately upon arrest.

Loss of Professional License

Do you work as a lawyer, doctor, plumber, nurse or other professional that requires a license? If so, you might wind up losing your professional license if arrested for and convicted of DUI in Texas. It all depends on your profession and the industry’s requirements. Should your license be revoked, you will also lose your job since the license is required to practice.

Loss of Auto Insurance

Many insurance companies do not insure drivers who have been arrested or convicted of DUI. For this reason alone, you could have trouble retaining employment or finding a new job. Why? If you are dropped by your auto insurance company, you will not be able to drive legally. If your job requires you to drive during normal working hours, you will need to provide your employer with proof of insurance.

License Suspension

The suspension of your driver’s license can prevent you from being able to work. For example, you will have trouble getting to work since you cannot drive yourself. You will either need to find public transportation or rely on family, friends or co-workers to get to and from work. You can apply for an exemption, which permits driving for work, but this exemption is not always approved. A DUI lose job scenario is very likely under these circumstances.

Loss of CDL

Do you have a commercial driver’s license (CDL)? If so, you will encounter a nearly impossible situation when it comes to finding work. Why? A DUI will appear on your CDL record for 55 years, which may effectively end your career as a commercial vehicle driver. 

A Matter of Public Record

An arrest for DUI is a matter of public record. This means that when you are sent for a background check by a potential employer, the arrest will come back on the report whether or not you disclose this information on your employment application. 

 

Can I Lose My Job for Getting a DUI?

The simple answer to this question is yes. If you are arrested for DWI in Houston, it is imperative that you consult with a defense attorney about your case. Call the office of Flood & Associates at 713.224.5529 to schedule a consultation with a Houston DWI attorney today.