Consequences of DUI conviction include job opportunity
A common fear among the public is that, if they get arrested and convicted of a crime in Tennessee, they will go to prison. Whether incarceration is a real threat depends on the criminal charge and case.
For example, a Tennessee DUI conviction doesn’t necessarily mean someone will serve extensive jail time. A first offense in Tennessee means 48 hours in jail and a $1,500 fine. Multiple DUI convictions mean more severe sentencing.
There is a consequence outside of technical sentencing that suspects should add to their list of concerns: financial stability.
We are living in a difficult economy and job market to begin with. Add a DUI conviction to someone’s background and he or she has an extra mountain to climb in trying to find or keep a job. An employment lawyer lists several ways that a drunk driving conviction can compromise someone’s job:
Company policy
Some businesses will include in their corporate policy that the conviction of a crime is grounds for firing. In this situation, a first DUI could be enough to cost someone his or her job.
Driving is money
Do you earn a living as a driver, or is driving a regular component of your job? A conviction of impaired driving results in at least a one-year license suspension in Tennessee. If your employer needs you to drive and you can’t, then it is safe to say that you should start looking into other work options.
These are only a couple of ways in which a DUI can have a lasting impact on someone’s life. These are further reasons beyond the threat of incarceration, fines and license suspension why a defendant should work with a DUI defense lawyer who can vigorously protect his or her best interests.
Source: AOL Jobs, “9 Ways A DUI Will Destroy Your Career,” Donna Ballman, Jan. 21, 2014