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Employment Consequences of a DWI Conviction

Learn More about the Potential Employment Consequences of a DWI Charge

All areas of your life can feel the impact of a DWI charge. The charge and arrest are severe, carrying fines, court costs, and your driver’s license suspension. But, there is also a stigma that accompanies getting a DWI. Society tends to view DWI offenses as irresponsible and dangerous behavior, often associating them with reckless individuals who disregard the safety of others. With this cloud surrounding DWI and DUI charges, many employers think twice before hiring someone who has a record. 

With employers viewing a DWI as a reflection of poor judgment or a risk to public safety, job opportunities can be negatively affected. Not only new job opportunities, but also career progression and advancement opportunities may not be as plentiful when your driving record includes a DWI.

The Raleigh DWI lawyers at Sandman, Finn, and Fitzhugh are experienced with all aspects of DWI arrests and convictions. Our team will work diligently on your case to minimize the long-lasting effects on potential employment opportunities. In this article, we explore the potential consequences of a DWI charge on employment and tips for mitigating the stigma around a DWI.

Consequences of a DWI

The impact that DWI convictions can have on current jobs and employment opportunities can be far-reaching. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor DWI, that conviction will remain on your record for many years. If you are required to drive a vehicle on your job, it is more likely that your DWI conviction will prevent you from being hired. A DWI can also prevent you from gaining licensing or certification from a state licensing board. Even if you do not lose your job, a DWI conviction can affect your professional reputation and relationship with coworkers.

Although DWI is not technically a moral crime, a conviction may have the following effects on your job and/or your job prospects:

  • Missed Opportunities: In most states, including North Carolina, employers may lawfully refuse employment to people with DWI convictions, especially if they drive or operate heavy machinery for a living. In these situations, most employers rightly consider a prior DWI as a potential safety liability. For instance, if you injure anyone at work, the company could be sued because it knowingly hired an individual who has a prior DWI.
  • Automatic Termination: Many employers have employee handbook policies that list the conviction of a criminal offense as grounds for immediate firing. If your employer has such a policy, you will most likely lose your job. Additionally, many employee handbooks also contain mandatory reporting requirements. Failure to report the conviction can be grounds for termination as well.
  • Loss of Professional License: If you hold a medical, legal, or any other type of professional license, you must report any criminal arrests or convictions, such as DWIs, to the appropriate agency. The loss of a professional license always means a job loss.
  • Tardiness and Absences: In many ways, a DWI conviction also indirectly affects your job. Be sure to have your attorney work to get limited driving privileges. For example, if the court of state suspends your driver’s license and you didn’t obtain an exemption for driving to and from work, you may have to rely on other means of transportation (e.g., bus, train, taxi, bus, Uber, Lyft). This can cause you to be constantly late to work, resulting in termination. Additionally, time taken for court appearances and, perhaps, jail time can force you to miss work.

Background Checks and Disclosure

If you lose your job and are seeking new employment, you will likely go through a background check during the application and hiring process. Potential employers will ask you to disclose your criminal convictions before running a background check of your criminal record. 

Not disclosing your DWI arrest or conviction could disqualify you from moving forward in the hiring process. By the same token, disclosing your criminal history could also disqualify you. This can depend on the industry you work in and the company you are applying to. Whether you need to disclose your DUI criminal history also depends on whether or not you got your record expunged or sealed.

Professional Licenses and Certifications

Certain industries require certifications or professional licenses. These have more consequences for DWI offenses. The most commonly known are commercial drivers with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Once you have a DWI on your record, companies will likely not want you driving their commercial vehicle. The liability and insurance are just too great.

Other industries have standards for maintaining professional licenses. These professions require the general public’s trust by maintaining a higher standard:

  • Pilots
  • Medical professionals
  • Lawyers
  • Financial advisors
  • Engineers
  • Police officers
  • Miliary member
  • Individuals with government security clearance

Even if your professional career doesn’t fall into one of these categories, you may still be unable to perform your job. If your position requires you to travel regularly or have a driver’s license, your DWI conviction will negatively impact your employment.

Understanding the Stigma of a DWI

Overcoming the stigma of a DWI requires an understanding of why it exists. Society tends to view DWI offenses as stemming from a place of irresponsibility and dangerous behavior. People who “succumb” to these impulses are viewed as being reckless and having a disregard for the safety of others. This perception can be difficult to overcome, but it is important to keep in mind that people make mistakes, and true rehabilitation is possible.

Rebuilding Your Professional Reputation

Rebuilding your reputation after a DWI conviction requires time, effort, and a proactive approach. Here are some useful tips to help you overcome the stigma:

  • Accept Responsibility: Acknowledge your mistake and take full responsibility for your actions. This exhibits maturity and a genuine desire to change.
  • Seek Professional Help: Engage the services of a reputable DWI attorney, such as Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh, who can guide you through the legal process and provide expert advice tailored to your specific case.
  • Attend DWI Education Programs: Participating in DWI education programs shows your commitment to learning from your mistakes and making an earnest effort to prevent future offenses. These programs can also provide valuable insights and coping strategies.
  • Engage in Community Service: Volunteering for community service helps you give back to society and shows that you are actively working towards making amends.
  • Adopt Sobriety: By adopting a sober lifestyle and distancing yourself from alcohol-related activities, you can rebuild your reputation and demonstrate your commitment to changing your behavior.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Raleigh DWI Lawyers

Time is critical when you are arrested for a DWI in Wake County. It’s important to take immediate action so that there are no missteps from the beginning. You can trust the DWI defense attorneys at Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh to have the strategies that work and begin the process without delay. Your case is unique and unlike any other case. Because we have years of assisting DWI cases, specifically in Raleigh and Wake County, we know how to defend you successfully. Contact us for a free consultation at (919) 845-6688, or fill out our contact form to get started.

If the police have spoken to you, then you need to speak to us.