Could I Lose My Job After a DWI Conviction?

DWI Lawyer Salt Lake City UT

If you were recently charged with a DWI, you may want to call a DWI lawyer with experience. At Rasmussen & Miner, we know that the last thing you want is to jeopardize your employment by receiving a conviction. While this may not be the case with all employers in Salt Lake City UT, for some, loss of employment could be one of the consequences of a DWI conviction. It can be incredibly frustrating to experience this due to a snap decision to get behind the wheel after overindulging in alcohol. Making the decision to drink and drive puts not only yourself, but also others, at risk. Preventing a DWI is as simple as having awareness around when it may not be safe for you to drive. If you have been charged with a DWI, it may be helpful to consult with a DWI lawyer in Salt Lake City UT regarding the proper way to navigate this with your employer.

Knowing When You’ve Had Too Much
Many people are unaware of how many drinks they can have and still safely drive their vehicle without running the risk of a DWI. It is common for someone to innocently have a couple of drinks after work — only to find that they have had too much. Educating yourself regarding how much you can safely consume within a specific timeframe is an important component to ensuring that you are not later pulled over by law enforcement. There are a number of variables that come into play when determining the amount of alcohol that you can drink, including:

• Your weight
• The type of drink(s) that you consume
• Whether or not you have eaten
• How quickly you consumed your drink(s)

Your blood alcohol content (BAC) is the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream based on how much alcohol that you have consumed. In the United States, and in Salt Lake City UT, a BAC above .08% while driving could result in a DWI.

Making a Disclosure to Your Employer
Perhaps one of the most challenging decisions to make is whether you should tell your employer of your recent DWI charge. Many people are likely to question this because it could result in losing your employment. It’s important to note that by law you are not required to disclose a DWI conviction to your current employer. However, there are some situations or even professions where exceptions must be made. For example:

• The job that you currently hold requires you to drive. Meaning you would need to have a valid driver’s license.
• You are directly asked by your employer if you have a DWI conviction.
• You are unable to fulfill the requirements of your job somehow because of a DWI.
• Your employment contract states that you cannot have a conviction on your record.

Managing situations of such a sensitive nature can certainly be challenging. It will be vital that you approach the situation in a mindful way. A DWI lawyer may be useful in helping you to achieve the best way to navigate such a difficult conversation with your employer.

Navigating the legal process can be stressful, facing the possible loss of employment can only add to this stress. There will be a number of consequences that you may have to endure should you obtain a DWI conviction. Unfortunately, a DWI conviction can stay on your record for quite some time depending on your particular situation. Hiring the representation of a DWI lawyer Salt Lake City UT trusts may give you the opportunity to obtain the best possible outcome. For more information, contact Rasmussen & Miner today.