How a Washington State DUI negatively affects employment

If you have been arrested for a DUI in Seattle, or anywhere in Washington State for that matter. Than you’re facing severe mandatory court imposed penalties depending on what your alcohol level was and whether you have been arrested for a DUI before. However every DUI arrest carries additionally consequences that most people aren’t aware of. These collateral consequences can negatively impact an individual facing a DUI for the rest of their lives. For purposes of this post lets take a look at how a DUI will negatively impact employment.

1. Loss of job: Obviously this is a huge concern for anyone charged with a DUI. However there are certain careers that look more unfavorably on a DUI conviction than others. An example of these would be any career in the medical profession (i.e., nurse, doctor, or student), or any other professional license governed by Rules of Professional Conduct.

2. Loss of license: If you drive for a living. Whether it’s simply to and from work, or whether you need a commercial drivers license for your job. A DUI arrest and/or conviction can result in a loss of one’s ability to drive. A suspension of a driver’s license for a DUI can occur without even being charged with a DUI let alone convicted. Probably the single most loss of employment I see as a DUI Attorney is people that drive for a living (i.e., commercial drivers license).

3. Criminal record: Every employer is different. But often times when a person starts a new job they sign an employment contact that states they will not get in trouble. If you have signed one of these documents and you have gotten arrested for a DUI in Seattle or anywhere for that matter than you could potentially void an employment contract guaranteeing you a job.

4. Future employers: It has been a while since I last filled out a job application. So excuse me if things have changed. And I understand every job application is different. But from what I remember there was always a box that asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime. Most times it was specific in reference to felonies, but if it is not then it is your obligation to report a DUI or lesser charge conviction.

Obviously there are many more potential employment consequences a person faces when charged with a DUI. It is important to contact a DUI Lawyer who can help navigate through these murky waters and advise on any and all potential consequences when it comes to employment either future or present.

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About the author: Matthew Leyba is a DUI Lawyer in Seattle, Washington. His practice focuses on representing those charged with DUI and other serious traffic offenses. He was voted as a Rising Star in the area of DUI Defense by Seattle Met Magazine, an honor less than 2.5% of all Attorneys receive. He is also rated as a Superb DUI lawyer by Avvo.com