Top 5 Careers Affected By A DUI Conviction

Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) both have severe penalties if the accused is convicted of the crime. Many states will revoke driving privileges, impose fines, require community service or enforce jail sentences for these offenses, even if it is the first occurrence. Most people, however, do not realize the impact that this type of conviction can have on their employment opportunities.
 
Top 5 Professions That Are Affected By A DUI Conviction
 
1. Military Career. If you are enlisted in the service and receive a DUI conviction, there is nearly a 100 percent chance that when it comes time for reenlistment you will be denied. Since lifetime service is a goal of many people that serve, this conviction could ruin a potential career and any military benefits.

2. Medical Professional. Many medical centers believe that if you have a DUI or DWI conviction, you are a high risk around medications. Because of this, most human resource personnel will consider the applicant as unfit for the position.

3. Police Department. If you are already a police officer and receive a conviction, you have the potential to lose your job. If you do remain on the force, you will most likely be passed over for promotion and find yourself sitting at a desk instead of being out in the field. If you are applying for a position, your application will not be considered because of the risk involved if you drink on the job.

4. Fire and Rescue. If you desire to enter this field, your driving record must be perfect. Because of the necessity to arrive at an accident, fire or other event in a quick manner, these departments require that their drivers have clean records. If you are already on the force, action will be taken against you, including loss of employment.

5. Truck Driver. It is just common sense for one to see how a drunk driving conviction would look on an application to drive a semi-truck. Needless to say, if you are convicted while you are already operating a commercial vehicle, your CDL will be revoked.

Of course, many other professions do not respond kindly to DUI convictions. Many employers assume that this is an issue that could lead to further trouble down the road, and it is not a risk that many are willing to take.

What You Can Do If You Have A DUI Conviction
If you have been convicted with a DUI or DWI, all hope is not lost. Working with an attorney, for instance a NJ DWI attorney or one in your local state, can help you petition the court to expunge the record and have the conviction removed from public view. While it is not a guarantee that an attorney can help delete this conviction against you, there is a very good chance that they can help.

In most cases, the court will review the case and listen to the circumstances. If there is good cause to prove that you have not committed this act since the conviction, or that you have made an effort to correct the behavior, the court may expunge or seal the records. Once this has been done, employers and potential employers cannot obtain the information about the conviction.

In the end, the best way to avoid this scenario is not to drive while under the influence of any substance. By staying off the roads when you are in this condition you will protect yourself and others from harm and you will protect your career. If a conviction does occur, all is not lost. You will not have to give up your career or chance at starting a career in a specific industry. With the help of an attorney, you can have the records sealed and move on to a brighter future. 

Georgina Clatworthy is a freelance legal writer producing consumer focused articles on various aspects of the U.S legal system. Levow and Associates, P.A. help those in need of a NJ DWI attorney.  By partnering with an experienced attorney, you will stand the best chance of reducing the charges against you and ensuring your rights and interest are always protected.