When dealing with a DUI, most people think about the short-term consequences first. After all, time in jail and hefty fines weigh heavily on anyone’s mind.
But a DUI conviction can have much longer and farther-reaching consequences, too. In fact, it could entirely change a person’s career options.
DUI convictions create job roadblocks
The College Investor discusses how DUI convictions can change a person’s life for the worst, especially in terms of career.
First, this can apply to anyone regardless of their stage in life. People just applying for college may face the same sort of setbacks as someone who simply wants to change their career path despite being out of school for years.
DUI convictions severely limit the number of jobs a person can apply for, first and foremost. Many industries and fields do not hire people with a DUI on record. This includes government positions, all positions that work with children including teaching, and any job that requires a commercial driver’s license.
Losing reliable transportation
Many jobs also require a person to have their own reliable source of transportation, i.e. not rely on public transportation. Many DUI crimes come with the penalty of driver’s license revocation, usually for a period of months or even years.
In short, someone with a DUI conviction may not have the ability to drive his or herself to work, thus ruling them out of the running automatically.
A DUI charge should get taken seriously regardless of what stage of life a person currently inhabits. If treated seriously from the start, it is easier to mitigate the charges.
