A DUI can jeopardize your career
With the new year come new goals, but your plans will have to change if you’re convicted of a DUI this holiday season. During the Christmas and New Year’s holidays last year, Colorado State Patrol officers arrested 57 drivers for DUI, in addition to investigating 31 crashes caused by an impaired driver.
Many companies have strict policies regarding licenses, driving, and criminal history when a DUI is involved. Some of these industries include healthcare professionals, licensed professionals (teachers, pilots, lawyers, etc.), law enforcement agencies, and workers who operate heavy machinery.
“A DUI, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, is a criminal charge that never goes away,” explained Colonel Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The consequences vary depending on the employer and can damage career opportunities, reputation, or relationships.”
Other immediate impacts include:
- Lost Time from Work – DUIs require extensive time in court, for treatment, and for appointments. Since many of these services operate only during business hours, you will most likely lose considerable amounts of time from work to meet court requirements.
- Disciplinary Actions/Professional License Issues – Your company may have specific rules associated with a DUI that could result in modification of your duties, loss of employment, loss of license, or demotion.
- Difficulty with Commuting/Work Schedules – A suspended license can make it impossible to get to work, particularly in areas with limited public transportation.
- Limitations on Career Path – Some industries, such as law enforcement, financial and health agencies, have strict policies against hiring people with criminal records, which can end a career path.
- Barriers to New Employment – DUIs are visible on criminal background checks and can eliminate the opportunity of being considered for a new job.
From an employer’s perspective, an employee or job applicant with a DUI can be considered a risk. If the applicant pool includes other qualified candidates, there’s no reason for the employer to take a chance on an employee who could potentially cause problems. Employees with alcohol problems can be costly for businesses, increasing the company’s liability. Some professional industries may also have strict licensing requirements and regulations that could disqualify individuals with a DUI history.
The Colorado State Patrol is highlighting the consequences a driver in Colorado may experience after a DUI conviction this holiday season as part of the “Don’t Underestimate Impairment (DUI)” campaign. Making a good decision “in the moment” while intoxicated is highly unlikely. Don’t underestimate the consequences of this decision; plan for a sober trip.
