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If you've been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol in West Virginia, you may be wondering if you could lose your job as a result. While the answer depends on several factors, including the severity of the offense and the policies of your employer, it's definitely something to be aware of. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the potential consequences of a DUI conviction in West Virginia and explain what you can do to protect yourself.
Can I Be Fired if I’m Convicted of DUI in West Virginia?
If you are convicted of DUI in West Virginia, you may lose your job. DUI convictions in West Virginia can have serious consequences that can extend beyond criminal penalties. Losing your job may be one of those consequences and can hurt both your financial stability and future opportunities. Job loss due to a DUI conviction could be financially devastating and even prevent you from continuing to pursue your chosen career path.
West Virginia is an at-will employment state. At-will employers can fire employees for any reason they choose, which could include firing an employee for a DUI conviction or even firing an employee who has only been arrested for DUI. In addition, there are certain professions where an employee can lose their job and their professional license if they are charged with or convicted of DUI, including:
- Lawyers and other legal professionals
- Real estate agents
- Doctors and other healthcare professionals
- Insurance professionals
- Teachers and other education professionals
- Truck drivers, bus drivers, cab drivers, limo drivers, rideshare drivers, and other professional drivers
To avoid these outcomes and other punishments associated with DUI, it is important to understand the laws around driving while intoxicated, what your legal rights are, and hire an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible if you face charges.
Can I Get a Job if I’m Convicted of DUI in West Virginia?
DUI is a serious offense that can result in significant legal consequences. One consequence any person convicted of DUI should be aware of is the lasting impact it can have on their criminal record. There are several negative consequences if you have a criminal record.
One the most problematic consequences of having a criminal record is that it can make it extremely difficult to get a job. This is because many employers require potential employees to pass a criminal background check. While there are employers that will hire people with criminal records, it can often involve taking jobs that you find undesirable.
A DUI conviction doesn’t just affect employment opportunities, it can also impact a person’s housing and financial options as well. This can include preventing a person convicted of DUI from qualifying for an apartment, house, mortgage, or personal loan. In addition, if a person convicted of DUI is involved in a child custody dispute, their DUI conviction could result in them losing custody of their children or being denied visitation rights.
Charged with DUI in West Virginia? Contact Our Experienced DUI Defense Lawyers in Berkeley County Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been charged with DUI in West Virginia, you should speak with our experienced DUI defense attorneys at Sutton & Janelle, PLLC as soon as possible. Our DUI defense lawyers can explain the potential consequences of a conviction and help you to understand your legal options. It's important to understand these options so that you can make an informed decision that best protects your rights and interests.
Our legal team may also be able to negotiate or challenge aspects of the charges against you, which could help get your charges reduced or even dismissed.
To learn more about Sutton & Janelle, PLLC, check out our clients’ reviews.
For more information about how a DUI conviction can affect employment in West Virginia, or to speak with our experienced DUI defense attorneys in Berkeley County, give us a call at (304) 867-0049 or get in touch with us online today for a free consultation.