- December 18, 2023
While a single mistake shouldn’t ruin someone’s life, a DUI conviction in South Carolina creates many challenges. The impacts on employment and careers can be particularly devastating. If you have been accused of drunk driving, you need an experienced Charleston DUI attorney to represent you.
Driver’s License Suspension or Revocation
If you’re convicted of a DUI, your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked. Without a license, getting to work each day becomes tricky. You must ask friends or family for rides or public transit if available.
However, if driving is part of your job – think rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, etc. – you may be out of work entirely during your suspension. Some companies won’t hire or may even fire employees with a DUI conviction, especially if driving is essential to the role.
A DUI conviction and license suspension make finding or keeping work difficult. But focusing on life after your suspension, maintaining a good driving record, and being upfront with employers about your situation can help get your career back on track. Staying determined and patient through this process will serve you well.
Termination
Losing your job due to a DUI conviction is a harsh reality many face. Depending on your line of work, even being accused of drunk driving could mean being let go from your responsibilities. Some companies have zero-tolerance policies for DUIs and other drug-related offenses.
Those in safety-sensitive jobs like truck driving, operating heavy machinery, or transportation are especially at risk of job loss after a DUI. However, even white-collar jobs and professional roles may dismiss the poor judgment and decision-making exhibited in a DUI arrest.
- Your employer may see you as a liability risk.
- They could question your reliability and responsibility.
- It may damage work relationships and credibility with colleagues and clients.
- There are costs involved with hiring and training a replacement, so it may be easier to terminate employment.
While a DUI conviction alone does not necessarily prove you are unfit for a position, it raises doubts about your character and decision-making in the minds of employers. The stigma of a DUI and assumptions made about those who drive under the influence can be hard to overcome professionally. The consequences of drunk driving extend far beyond legal penalties and pose a serious threat to your career and livelihood.
Increased Insurance Costs
A DUI conviction often means your auto insurance rates will skyrocket. Why? Insurance companies see you as a high-risk driver now, so they jack up your premiums to offset the increased chance of having to pay out claims for future accidents or traffic violations.
After a DUI, you can expect your auto insurance premiums to increase by 50-100% or more. The increase depends on your driving history, insurance company, location, and policy details. The rate hike typically lasts 3-5 years, though some states allow insurers to consider DUIs for up to 10 years when setting premiums.
Some jobs require insuring company vehicles or driving personal vehicles for work purposes. After a DUI, the cost to insure you may be too high for employers to justify keeping you on or hiring you in the first place. They see you as a liability, even if you have a clean record and solid skills.
A DUI Conviction Can Damage Your Career
A DUI conviction can seriously damage your career prospects and professional reputation. Many jobs require a clean background and driving record, and a DUI can make you seem like an irresponsible candidate. Your current employer may question your judgment and reliability. They could demote or even terminate you, especially if driving is important to your job.
If your career requires a professional license or certification, a DUI conviction could threaten your credentials. Doctors, nurses, teachers, contractors, and many other professions require a license to practice. The licensing board will likely investigate a DUI conviction and may suspend or revoke your license.
Call an Experienced Charleston DUI Lawyer Today
To protect your career, seeking help from an experienced Charleston DUI defense attorney is critical. A skilled lawyer can review the details of your case, identify any potential weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or errors that occurred during your arrest, and help you build the strongest possible defense.
Contact our firm today at (843) 277-8711.
