DUI/DWI Consequences
Having a DUI or a DWI can have very serious consequences on your life, both personally and professionally. These consequences can be long-term or short-term, depending on the severity of your offense. However, there are steps that you can take to reduce the negative consequences of a DUI or DWI offense.
CDL Drivers
Using a commercial vehicle while driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense. Even operating a personal vehicle under the influence of alcohol (DUI-A) can result in serious consequences, including the loss of your CDL. If you have been charged with a DUI, you should consult a skilled local DUI attorney for advice and protect your rights.
In New York, there are specific penalties for DWI offenses. The penalties vary according to the severity of the crime and the frequency of the crime. For example, a first-time DWI conviction will result in a license suspension of at least 90 days, but this is not the same as a CDL revocation.
In New York, there are specific laws concerning the use of your CDL while operating a commercial vehicle. If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated per se (DWI-PS), you will have your CDL suspended for one year. This is in addition to the regular suspension period.
The law in New York is also pretty tough on those who refuse to take a chemical test. The result is a $550 fine and an 18-month suspension of your license.
Furthering Your Education
Getting a DUI/DWI conviction will not only affect your driving privileges but can also have long-term consequences that will affect your college career. Some schools will strip you of housing rights and remove you from sports teams.
Having a DWI/DWI conviction can also negatively affect your financial future. In some cases, you will not be able to get federal or private loans, and you may be denied access to other funding sources. Having a DWI/DWI can also hurt your ability to get a job.
College is a great place to learn new things. Making mistakes is part of the learning process. But, a DUI/DWI conviction can have unexpected consequences that can be devastating to your future.
You may be required to attend an alcohol abuse treatment program, participate in an alcohol awareness group, and/or complete community service. These programs are designed to help you recognize the dangers of alcohol and other drugs, and to take responsibility for your actions.
Furthering your education for DUI/DWI consequences can also include a standardized Intervention class, which is a 32-hour class that lasts seven weeks. This class will help you determine if you need treatment for your alcohol and drug addiction.
New Jobs
Getting a new job after a DUI or DWI is not always easy. Not only will a DUI or DWI result in lost wages and the inability to work, but you may also face a suspension of your driver’s license or other disciplinary actions. Fortunately, many companies now have stricter hiring policies to avoid hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds.
While there are no guarantees, a reputable employer will at least be willing to make an exception. A good rule of thumb is to do your research and know your local laws. You should also look into the company’s rehabilitative program to see if it has been court-mandated.
The best way to find new jobs after a DUI or DWI is to be smart about it. Even if the employer doesn’t ask for it, make sure to mention a rehabilitative program in your resume.
Although you are not likely to get hired for your dream job if you have a DUI or DWI on your record, you may still find employment in your community. For instance, some companies that participate in The Fair Chance Business Pledge will give you the chance to apply for a job.
Missing Work
Getting arrested for a DUI can have a negative impact on your career. Although it is certainly not a given that you will lose your job after being convicted of a DUI, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact. One of the first things you should do is inform your references of your pending arrest.
It is important to note that you may not be able to use your driver’s license after your DUI conviction. This can be a significant setback, especially if you rely on your car for transportation. You may be eligible for a work release program, but this can cost you a service fee in addition to the cost of a DUI class.
You may be surprised to learn that there are more than a few employers that don’t even allow convicted drunk drivers to apply for jobs. The best way to avoid this unfortunate situation is to keep a clear and concise driving record. It’s also important to note that a DUI conviction won’t automatically get you the best insurance rates.
Professional Licenses
Licensed healthcare professionals with a DUI/DWI conviction are at risk of losing their licenses. This can have a negative impact on their jobs, Medical approval and driving privileges.
In New York State, the Medical Board of New York has taken a variety of disciplinary actions against medical professionals who have committed DWI/DWI. These actions have ranged from public letters of reprimand to six-year probation.
The Department of Health, on the other hand, views licensed healthcare professionals with a DUI/DWI arrest as a risk to the public. It will investigate the arrest and take disciplinary action against the doctor.
The Board of Medical Examiners conducts a thorough background screening on healthcare professionals. This includes checking with State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The results of the screening are reported to the licensing board.
In most cases, professional licensing boards require members to report any criminal convictions and arrests. Failure to report can result in disciplinary action.
Whether you are facing criminal charges or are a convicted professional, you should speak with an attorney right away. A qualified attorney will help you through the process and protect your professional license.
Diversion Programs
Depending on your jurisdiction, there are a number of diversion programs for DUI/DWI consequences. Some are designed to help offenders get treatment while others focus on rehabilitation. You should consult with an experienced DUI defense attorney to find out which program is right for you.
First-offender programs require offenders to stay abstinent from alcohol for a specified period. This is intended to help offenders avoid jail and other penalties while still being able to obtain a driver’s license. However, completion of these programs does not erase the DUI conviction.
Some states also require offenders to undergo an alcohol assessment. The assessment can help prosecutors determine the best sentence for the offender. Depending on the assessment’s findings, the penalties may be lessened or eliminated.
Typically, diversion programs for DUI/DWI consequences require participants to complete alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs, pay fines, and perform community service. This process may also include random testing to ensure abstinence.
Those who successfully complete these programs may be given the option of installing an ignition interlock device. They may also be required to pay restitution to the victim.
Mandatory Firing
Whether you are a professional or a student, a DUI/DWI conviction can have severe consequences on your job. It can affect your license, your ability to obtain a new job, and even your career.
First off, a DUI/DWI conviction can cause your license to be revoked. This means you cannot drive a vehicle to work or school. It also means that your insurer will likely cancel your insurance. This can make it hard to pay for your car and get to work.
Convictions are usually followed by probation or a DUI educational program. This can include community service, abstaining from alcohol or drugs, or attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Depending on the type of job, it may be required that you attend these meetings for a period of time to continue your career.
A DUI/DWI conviction can affect your ability to get a mortgage. Mortgage lenders will see gaps in your employment history and can deny your application based on missed work time.
Your employer’s official Code of Conduct can also affect your employment. For example, a professor who is arrested for DUI will reflect badly on the university. This is why it is a good idea to check the code of conduct in your current or potential employer before applying for a job.
Driving To Work
Having a DUI/DWI conviction can have negative ramifications for you when it comes to driving to work. It can affect your job search, career, and even your insurance rates.
A DUI is a criminal charge that can result in jail time and/or fines. It may also cause your license to be suspended. In some cases, you may have to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. These devices help prevent your car from starting if your blood alcohol content is above a certain level.
DUI/DWI consequences vary by state. Some states have very strict DUI laws. They may confiscate your car or even revoke your license. They may also impose jail time and community service for a DUI conviction. If you are charged with a DUI, you should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Many states have stricter laws for DUI and DWAI convictions than for first-offense DWIs. Several states also impose mandatory jail time for DUI. This means that you could face up to a year in jail if you are convicted of a DUI.
We invite you to contact us or call us today if you need a help from an experienced DWI/DUI lawyer. Visit our blog for more related articles.