As long as a DUI arrest remains on your record, it can affect your career in Alabama. From employment applications to potential termination, an arrest and conviction can limit professional opportunities, resulting in serious financial impacts.
The loss of a driver’s license, denial or termination of employment, mandatory reporting, loss of company vehicle, and loss of a professional license can all impact your ability to earn a living.
Here are some of the consequences a DUI arrest or conviction might have on your professional career:
Job Application Process
When seeking new employment, there may be significant roadblocks as many employers are hesitant to hire candidates with a criminal record.
Many positions require disclosure of prior convictions during the application process. Depending on an individual employer’s view, the DUI may make or break your ability to be hired.
Seeking or Maintaining a Professional License
A conviction can make it more difficult or impossible to obtain certain professional licenses or admission to certain schools, closing doors to professional opportunities.
Graduate or professional schools – law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, etc. – often choose not to enroll applicants who have been convicted of a DUI over the past five years.
There numerous professions that require a license, some of which are attorneys, physicians, registered nurses, pharmacists, and teachers. Whether you are arrested or convicted, there is a possibility that a defendant’s professional license application withheld, denied, or license revocation can be initiated.
For example, a DUI arrest without conviction will “flag” a law student’s application to sit for the Alabama bar exam and require a mandatory appearance before the Character & Fitness Committee of the Alabama State Bar.
Mandatory Reporting and Loss of Employment
An arrest and conviction can affect your standing in your current position or result in job termination. Many employers require immediate disclosure of any criminal arrests – including DUIs.
Once reported, your employer may choose next steps which often range from suspension or mandatory rehabilitation programs to demotions or termination. Failure to report the arrest will be grounds for termination.
An employee may be placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of their DUI case. In the event of a conviction, the company may have a standard response such as termination. For example, most pharmaceutical sales companies require the immediate termination of an employee upon their conviction of a DUI.
License Suspension
If a condition of your employment requires that you maintain a valid driver’s license and you lose your license or permit, your employer may legally terminate you as an employee. (Read our recent blog to learn more about the impact a DUI can have on your drivers’ license.)
Additionally, some industries – such as automobile dealerships and automotive franchisees – often have “morals” clauses in their agreements with their manufacturers. This can lead to the immediate termination of an employee who is convicted of a DUI or has their license suspended.
Professional drivers’ licenses are also subject to suspension. Denial of a required commercial driver’s license endorsement can affect the employment of school bus drivers and church bus drivers.
Private or commercial pilot’s must make timely reports of arrests or convictions to the FAA. A defendant’s pilot’s license can be revoked or withheld during an administrative driver’s license suspension or in the event of a conviction.
Company Vehicles, Insurance, Rentals
Should you maintain your employment following a DUI, an Alabama employer may have the ability to repossess your company vehicle and related insurance.
If you use your personal vehicle to carry out company business, your employer may adjust the level of insurance you are required to possess in order to protect themselves in the event of subsequent DUI related arrests. Not only are these plans costly, it can be difficult to find an insurer who is willing to sign on to a high-risk driver.
The inability to rent a car can also affect your ability to perform your job while traveling if your company has a contract with certain rental car companies. Avis, National, or Hertz are among a number of companies that will run your license check through the Alabama DMV. Any DUIs will result in denial of rental car services.
Permits and Security Clearances
DUI convictions can have devastating effects for individuals who are employed in a position that requires a level of security clearance or operation of a concealed firearm.
In Alabama, second or subsequent DUI conviction can result in the denial of “pistol permits” required to carry a concealed weapon. Convicted felons are prohibited from the purchase or possession of any firearms or ammunition.
Additionally, U.S. government security clearances may be denied or revoked. These clearances not only apply to government or military bases, but businesses that “contract” with the United States Government – for example, nuclear power plants.
Impact on Military Careers
From loss of privileges to denial of honorable discharge, a DUI arrest and conviction can have devastating impacts on an individual’s career in the military.
Should an individual be on probation for a DUI conviction, they will not be allowed to enlist in any branch of the armed forces.
Personnel who are preparing to be deployed to combat can be pulled from their deployment due to an arrest. A conviction can result in being discharged from military service or by general discharge.
Superior officers may begin imposing sanctions after initial arrest, denying certain privileges on the base.
Some examples of these sanctions include revoking ability to operate military or personal vehicles on the base, denial of a promotion or removal of command position, or inability to re-enlist. Sanctions can have a compounding effect on a service-member’s retirement benefits.
Need Somebody in Your Corner?
The impact a DUI can have on your professional life may begin immediately after arrest. Once convicted, an individual could not only lose their current job – doors to future professional opportunities can be closed as long as it remains on your record.
To fully understand your risks and pursue the best possible outcome, you must hire reputable legal representation. Having a lawyer in your corner who understands Alabama DUI arrests and convictions could potentially mitigate or reduce the impact on your professional life. Align yourself with an Alabama lawyer who specializes in DUIs. Contact the professional legal team at Sheffield and Lentine, P.C. for the guidance you deserve.