It usually starts with, “Trust me, officer, I am fine. I only had a glass of wine over dinner. I am definitely not drunk.” However, as far as the law is concerned, you are not fine. There is a pretty good chance your blood alcohol content (BAC) level exceeds the legal limit. And this is a criminal offense with far-reaching legal and personal implications.
The criminal penalties for a DUI conviction in North Dakota can be severe. You could lose your driver’s license, pay fines, go to jail and have your vehicle fitted with an Ignition Interlock Device. But, did you know that a DUI conviction can also impact other aspects of your life, such as your career?
Jobs most at risk if you are convicted of drunk driving
While a DUI conviction can put any career at risk, some professions are particularly vulnerable. A DUI conviction can profoundly impact individuals in the following careers:
- Law enforcement officers
- Individuals in the military
- Healthcare professionals and teachers
- Drivers
Outlined below are two ways a drunk drinking conviction could hurt your current and future career prospects.
DUI and your criminal record
If you are convicted of any crime, including drunk driving, your conviction will go into the court records. This means that anyone interested in your background, including potential employers, can learn about your conviction. If you are currently employed, you may have to let your employer know about your conviction. And depending on your employment policy, your employer may subject you to disciplinary action.
A DUI conviction can also impact your future employment prospects; especially jobs that involve driving, dealing with children, or operating sensitive equipment.
You could lose your right to drive
A DUI conviction will definitely result in the suspension of your driver’s license. This can be problematic if you rely on your vehicle to drive to work. And if you drive for a living, this can mean an end to your driving career.
Drunk driving is a serious offense with far-reaching legal and personal consequences. Find out how you can defend yourself and safeguard your rights if you are charged with DUI in North Dakota.