The Professional Consequences of a DUI

The Professional Consequences of a DUI

Government employees and professional drivers are not the only ones whose careers may suffer as the result of a Florida DUI conviction.  Any conviction, even a misdemeanor, can result in difficulties during the job application process, however, few people consider how a conviction might impact their current positions and careers.

Florida DUI Classifications

Whether your career is in jeopardy as a result of a DUI conviction may depend on whether your conviction is classified as a misdemeanor, meaning your maximum punishment is capped at one year in prison, or a felony, meaning that your maximum punishment can exceed one year’s incarceration. Under Florida law, DUI convictions are categorized as follows:

• 1st Conviction - Misdemeanor – maximum six months’ imprisonment/one year’s probation;
• 2nd Conviction - Misdemeanor – maximum nine months’ imprisonment;
• 3rd Conviction - Misdemeanor – maximum twelve months’ imprisonment;
• 4th and any subsequent Convictions - Felony – Maximum five years’ in jail.

While some companies may not have a policy of terminating employees for a first-time misdemeanor conviction, having a felony conviction on your record may impact your ability to perform on the job. For example, you may no longer have access to a company car and for the sake of the company’s reputation, you may be stripped of your ability to handle company finances or testify on the company’s behalf. A felony conviction makes it more likely that third parties will be able to challenge your moral integrity in financial and legal proceedings, which may reflect poorly on your company.  

Potential Impact on Employment

If you work for a major corporation, employees are generally provided with an employee handbook and behavioral guidelines upon hiring. In this handbook, there may be both a requirement that you report any criminal convictions to your employer and a warning that such a conviction may result in your termination, as many employers may lose trust in their employees following a DUI charge.  Further, upon even a first conviction, you are guaranteed to lose your license for at least 180 days, and this may be extended to one year. This will make it difficult to arrive to work on time or perform company tasks. Accordingly, it is essential you contact an experienced Florida DUI attorney immediately if you are facing DUI charges that may affect your employment.

Speak with Florida Criminal Defense Attorney About All Potential DUI Consequences

Even if you are planning on pleading guilty to a Florida DUI charge, it is essential you speak with an experienced Florida DUI lawyer about the potential consequences of a conviction on your professional career. The Khonsari Law Group has the experience you need to ensure that you have considered all the potential personal, professional, and legal consequences of your DUI conviction. If you are located in the greater St. Petersburg area, do not let a single DUI conviction destroy your career. Contact us today for a free, no-risk consultation at (727) 269-5300. ¹https://www.dmvflorida.org/florida-drivers-manual/ ²https://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/automotive-law/dui.php