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DUI and Employment in Illinois

When most people are convicted of a DUI, the repercussions they worry about most are the ones carried out by the criminal justice system. And for good reason - jail time, costly fines, probation and the possible installation of an ignition interlock device are damaging legal DUI penalties that will significantly impact your life. But many people underestimate the lasting impact a DUI will have on their lives once they've completed their sentence and paid their dues. Having a DUI on your criminal record can create many obstacles when it comes to employment.

Finding work can be difficult enough. With a DUI charge and conviction on your record, the job search becomes much more complicated. Even if you're already employed, employers have shown little tolerance for workers with criminal records, and have terminated longtime employees in response to recent convictions. Regardless, a DUI can undermine your best efforts of securing employment.

To avoid issues with employment due to a criminal record, the best thing you can do is contact a criminal defense attorney. If you live in Illinois and have been arrested for a DUI, contact the team at Dolci & Weiland for help to fight any criminal charges. Our team of attorneys has an unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of our clients and fiercely defending their charges. We believe the first step our clients can make towards a successful outcome is to be well informed. This is why we'll provide you with options, answer questions, and make ourselves available at any time to ensure you are in the know your charges and the developments of your case.

How DUI Convictions Affect Employment

Let's face it, you don't want to tell the world about your involvement with a DUI. You probably prefer to forget it happened altogether, especially after enduring legal penalties like a license suspension or probation. But the harsh reality is that certain aspects of post-conviction life will always find a way to remind you about your criminal record. Gaining and keeping employment is one of them.

Current Employers

When it comes to disclosing a DUI to your current employer, there are a few things you should consider:

Does your employment contract require disclosure?

This is information you need to be sure about. If your contract dictates you must disclose all past criminal convictions and you don't, you're at risk of breaching your contract. Breaching your contract is oftentimes grounds for termination, even if the DUI itself is not. Be aware that some contracts specify disclosing only convictions and leave out arrests or vice versa.

Does your job require you to drive a company vehicle?

Jobs that require a commercial driver's license will definitely need to know about your DUI conviction. If an employer allows you to drive despite a DUI conviction they may be potentially opened up to civil liability in the event of an accident. Many positions that require employees to drive a vehicle, including truck drivers, delivery drivers, pizza drivers, salespeople, or bus drivers, would not be available after a DUI.

If neither of these situations applies to you, you technically wouldn't have to disclose a DUI to your current employer.

Future Employers

A DUI conviction is especially hard on people between jobs or searching for new employment. During the job application process, applicants are given the option to disclose any criminal history. Even if you choose not to disclose your DUI conviction on the application, the majority of employers run background checks to screen potential new hires for criminal offenses. So, they'll find out about your conviction regardless. Unfortunately, many employers perceive DUIs as indicative of other deep-rooted issues, like alcoholism or bad judgment, and consider applicants with one on their record a liability.

Certain employers tend to be more sensitive about DUIs than others. For example, jobs involving children, like a teacher or daycare provider, may turn down applicants with a DUI on their record, while other jobs may not.

Facing a DUI Charge? Contact Dolci & Weiland Today

Considering the potential of a DUI to limit your future job opportunities, wouldn't it be better to avoid a conviction altogether?

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Illinois, the best thing you can do for yourself in this predicament is to seek legal representation from a seasoned criminal defense attorney. An Illinois DUI defense lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the state's DUI law will be able to apply a legal defense to your charge could lead to a reduced punishment or even the dismissal of your charges.

You should never have to fight any criminal charges on your own. With Dolci & Weiland in your corner, you won't have to. Don't wait until it is too late to obtain the legal help you need to overcome these charges. To speak with a member of our legal team, fill out an online case evaluation form or call the office nearest to you today. For our DuPage office, call (630) 261-9098, or for our downtown Chicago location, contact (312) 238-9007.

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