We all make mistakes; it’s human nature. However, some of them have more severe consequences than others. A charge of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol on any vehicle type impacts not only your employment but your whole life. If it’s your first offence, you may get out paying a costly fine. Nevertheless, if you have aggravating circumstances, you may lose your driver’s licence or, even worse – end up in jail with a criminal record. Here, we have gathered some ways in which this DUI criminal record in Ontario can change your career.
Short-Term DUI Charge Employment Impact
#1. Your reputation damaged as an employer
Firstly, we need to explain one simple rule: DUI, over 80, and impaired driving charges ≠ criminal records— at least, not always. Yes, DUI is a criminal offence in Canada. It goes to your record, and your potential employer can see it if he conducts a little research. However, the only way for your future boss to see your DUI is if you are convicted.
With that being said, if an officer just pulled you over and accused you of impaired or under-influence driving, it’s not the end. Consult with an experienced DUI lawyer in Toronto, like Jonathan Lapid. He will successfully present your case in court, protecting your interests and minimizing the charge. In this way, you will avoid a criminal record, and your potential employers who search for criminal convictions or other legal issues in your past will find nothing.
#2. License suspension
The next and more tangible DUI charge employment impact is that you can temporarily lose your driving license. While there is no legal ground to fire you instantly, your employer definitely pays attention to your records, especially if your job is related to frequent travelling or item delivery. An additional penalty is joining a substance abuse program, which can also temporarily defer you from your job.
What you can do about it? Firstly, avoid DUI charges at all costs. As we mentioned earlier, unless you haven’t been convicted, you can get out with little to no consequences. If it’s already too late, you can apply for a restricted license if eligible.
Impact on professional licenses
The more, the merrier. Driving Under the Influence charges affect more than just your driving privileges, but possibly your whole career field. If you hold a professional license, a DUI can lead to severe consequences, depending on the type of license and your profession. If you are a:
- Doctor, nurse, or other type of healthcare professional
- Lawyer
- Teacher
- Real estate agent
- Commercial driver
- Pilot
- Engineer, accountant, or other licensed professional
You should definitely avoid DUI criminal records. Otherwise, there is a high chance of losing your job forever. The severity of the consequences depends on the field you’re working in, your management and what you are being accused of. While some can get out with just disciplinary actions, like fees or suspension, the other state bar associations and licensing boards may not forgive you and give you a permanent revocation of your license.
#3. Potential job loss
Now you understand that an impaired driving charge counts as a criminal offence. The question about having a criminal record is possibly the first question any employer would ask, or the first check one can conduct. Even if you come to your job clean and later get yourself into some trouble, some employers can’t close their eyes to this fact. Many employers also have their own rules and codes of conduct that a DUI conviction might violate. The only thing you can do is to seek legal assistance early from the best DUI Lawyer in Mississauga to minimize charges or penalties.
Long-Term DUI Charge Employment Impacts
The one and the worst long-term employment impact of a DUI charge is if it is added to your criminal record. Once it gets there, it stays there forever. You may not instantly lose your job, but you definitely will face difficulties passing background checks for future employment. Or, your management can pose career advancement barriers on your current post.
More devastating consequences await those who are looking for a new career. Those with DUI charges will definitely have limited job opportunities. However, if it happens, you may focus on industries less affected by criminal records and build strong references.
Does the DUI Charge Stay on My Record Forever?
Unfortunately yes. Many DUI charges are treated as criminal offences, which is why when it gets to your record, you won’t be able to clear it completely. You probably will continue failing criminal background checks for some jobs or have difficulty keeping your current place or getting a promotion there. However, time heals. The good news is that if you won’t get accused of DUI again and will prove that it was a one-time-only mistake, your insurance companies will likely lower your premiums back to their pre-DUI rate.
What’s more, you can get a Pardon in Canada for DUI. The government believes that everyone deserves a second chance. That’s why, after a minimum of five years, if you honestly admit your mistake and avoid driving drunk all these years, the Canadian government will grant you a pardon. Nevertheless, the DUI charge won’t just disappear from your record. The government will seal this part, so if your future employers conduct a background check, they won’t be able to see it.
Why Is It Important to Consulting with a DUI Lawyer in Toronto?
The earlier you admit you made a mistake, the better, especially if this is your first DUI charge. An experienced DUI lawyer like Jonathan Lapid already knows what to do and will choose the best defending strategy, taking into account your circumstances.
There are many ways to build a successful strategy. However, the ultimate goal is to convince the court that the incident should be charged as a summary conviction rather than a major offence. This way, you will avoid a DUI charge being added to your criminal record and, consequently, won’t face any job challenges listed above. Even if you end up with a DUI charge – don’t give up. A skilled DUI lawyer will help you mitigate the potential risks to your career and overall life.
Conclusion
DUI charge employment impact is horrible and may seem inevitable. Permanent driving license loss, failed background checks or even jail aren’t just big words to make you scared. This is real life that sometimes gets really difficult to live. But don’t be depressed. The chances of winning a DUI case in Ontario are still extremely high. Know that with Jonathan Lapid, you are in experienced hands so that you will avoid the impact of DUI charges on employment, and it won’t be added to your criminal record.