A DUI conviction promises ramifications beyond criminal penalties. On the surface, you understand that you face incarceration, probation, steep fines, restitution, loss of your driver’s license as well as your vehicle.

But digging deeper, you also face stark challenges to your professional career. A DUI conviction means that you now have a criminal record. You have tarnished your reputation in ways that may lead to getting fired from your job and having prospective employers turning their backs on you.

Termination and loss of professional license

Here are some of the ways that a DUI conviction affects your working life:

• Missed work time: Between attorney meetings, court hearings and potential jail time, community service and enrolling in a rehabilitation program, you will miss a good amount of work. You also may have to ask for time off, and your employer may frown upon this.
• Termination from employment: Some employers have strict policies regarding a DUI conviction, and you may lose your job over the mistake you made.
• Loss of your professional license: Certain occupations such as doctors, dentists, attorneys, teachers and accountants must abide by specific state licensing requirements. Upon a DUI conviction, the state boards will review your license, potentially suspending it.
• Loss of clients if you work as a freelancer: Contract work in areas such as accounting, teaching/tutoring, job recruiting, writing and editing and web designing may dry up.
• Missed opportunities with prospective employers: Background checks have grown more common among companies seeking to hire candidates. These employers likely will discover your criminal record and discard your resume.

This is the reality of the harm a DUI conviction may do to your career. No one wants to face any of these scenarios.

Reduced charges or dismissal

A DUI conviction may linger for a long time. Beyond the criminal penalties, please understand that you also may have put your career at risk. Your best chance to overcome this situation is to work with a legal ally who may get such charges reduced or dismissed.