California has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, which means that anyone convicted of a DUI offense could be facing serious, life-changing penalties. This could include huge fines, prison time, probation, and other consequences. The best way to handle a charge is to immediately contact an experienced California DUI attorney.
While there are many consequences that you don’t want to see after a DUI, one of the biggest issues is the way that it can affect your opportunities for employment. Read on to learn about the impact of a conviction on employment and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free case evaluation.
Your DUI could show up on an employment background check
Employers have the right to require a background check on both current and potential employees. Depending on the specific background check and how extensive it is, it can reveal DUI arrests and / or convictions. Some jobs require a motor vehicle record check and the DUI would most certainly show up there.
That said, you do have rights when it comes to background checks. For example, California labor laws specify that an employer can’t ask about arrests if those arrests didn’t result in a conviction. This is just one reason that you may want to fight your DUI instead of pleading guilty. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand your options.
Your opportunities for employment may be limited
Not only could future employment options be limited, but your current employer may fire you. In certain jobs, such as commercial driving positions that require you to drive, there are very strict rules in place when it comes to any kind of driving record infraction or criminal issue. If you have either a professional license or a commercial drivers’ license then you could very well see your employment opportunities limited.
You could find yourself with no options
It’s true that being convicted for a DUI won’t necessarily preclude you from getting a job. However, future employers may take it into consideration when factoring in your character. For example, if you and another person are their top choices for a job, the fact that you have a DUI on your record could be the reason the scales tip in favor of the other party.
A DUI can make your life difficult but we can help
Depending on your profession, a DUI may not impact your opportunities at all. However, it can impact your life in a myriad of other ways. It can impact your personal life, can make it difficult to get to and from work, and can take a serious financial toll.
Due to the seriousness of this charge and the potential life-long consequences, we strongly urge you to contact a DUI attorney to help with your case. Simply call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free case evaluation and we’ll get you started.