Kentucky takes driving under the influence seriously, and those who are accused may face serious repercussions in court. Unfortunately, they may also face repercussions in their personal lives and with their careers.
If you drive for work or are part of a workplace that requires you to have a clear criminal record, you could end up facing the loss of your job if you get a DUI conviction.
Are you guaranteed to lose your career after a DUI?
You aren’t necessarily going to lose your job after a DUI, but it is possible in some circumstances. For example, if you get a DUI and have a medical license, your license could be suspended by the medical board due to the ethical implications. You may be suspended from work, even if you keep your medical license, because you violated a hospital or clinic’s regulations.
Even if you don’t have a professional license, you could lose your job in some cases. Check your employment handbook carefully. Your handbook should have information on what happens if you are arrested or convicted of a DUI. For example, the handbook may state that you’ll have your position terminated upon conviction. It could also state that you’ll face a suspension upon arrest. It’s up to employers to choose their policies, so you should be sure to note what your employer’s policies are.
Why is a DUI a big deal to employers?
For some employers, a DUI shows that their worker is not reliable. It may show that they’re willing to break a law or that they don’t think through the actions that they take. This may make some employers feel like termination is a better option than keeping the employee on board.
In other cases, it’s a financial issue. If you drive for your employer, you should be aware that a DUI may raise the cost of your insurance to a level that your employer is not happy with.
Since a DUI could threaten your career, it’s important to discuss your options to defend against a DUI with your attorney as soon as possible. Getting the charge lowered or dropped may help you keep your job and financial stability.