How Can a DWI Conviction Affect Your Employment Options in New Jersey?

Does a DWI Have an Impact on Current Employment?

Driving while intoxicated inhibits cognitive and motor functions, and the law in New Jersey frowns upon drivers who drive under the influence. Drug or alcohol intoxication is one of the significant factors that contribute to fatal car accidents. Consequently, the state imposes hefty penalties for drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated.

In addition to legal penalties, you risk lasting consequences that may harm your current and future job opportunities. Lawyers from a law firm in New Jersey say that a DWI arrest can cause you to miss work for several days, putting you at risk of disciplinary action that could adversely impact your employment status.

Potential Legal Consequences of a DWI Conviction

Most employment contracts in New Jersey have clauses that allow employers to take action against employees charged with DWI. Depending on your type of job and employer’s policies, New Jersey DWI lawyers highlight that you risk the following consequences:

• Mandatory reporting: Your contract could require you to immediately report any conviction, including DWI-related ones, to your employer. Ignoring this provision could result in disciplinary actions.
• Termination or suspension: Some contracts state that an employee can be terminated or suspended if convicted of an offense. This is a significant concern for specific careers, such as healthcare professionals.
• Impact on security clearances: If your job requires security clearance, you risk having it revoked if convicted of a DWI. Revocation of your security clearance could result in contract termination.

It’s vital to critically review your employment contract and understand the specific clauses associated with a DWI conviction. Based on this information, you can better fight to protect your interests by creating a solid defense strategy to beat the charges.

Does a DUI Conviction Show in a Background Check?

DWI attorneys in New Jersey say that a criminal conviction is often a matter of public record, and potential employers can easily find out if you have a DWI conviction. Depending on the industry, potential employers may require you to reveal if you have ever been arrested for or charged with drunk driving. If they find out that you have ever been convicted of the crime, they may decline to employ you.

Which Professions Can Be Most Impacted by a DWI Conviction?

The impact of being convicted for driving while intoxicated can span for many years, especially in the following careers:

• Law enforcement and some government jobs
• Teaching and daycare workers
• Medicine
• Child care
• Pilots
• Nursing
• Truck drivers
• Mass transit operators

There may be more limitations in some jobs, so it’s crucial to seek as much information as possible when seeking employment opportunities. For example, jobs requiring sensitive information management but not driving company vehicles may be more lenient if you can prove your value as an employee over your past convictions.

Besides, you should mention if you’ve taken steps to participate in rehabilitative programs since the DWI conviction, whether court-mandated or voluntary. This can demonstrate your understanding of the mistake and your desire to improve. Sometimes, all you need is an honest discussion with a potential employer to secure employment.

Does a DWI Conviction Affect Professional Licenses?

In addition to affecting current and future employment opportunities, a DWI conviction can put your professional licenses at risk. Some professions, such as law, teaching, commercial truck driving, healthcare, and real estate, require employees to hold professional certifications and licenses, and a past DWI conviction can jeopardize your ability to get or maintain these crucial credentials.

New Jersey DWI lawyers say you can protect your professional licenses if you understand how the system works. They provide the following crucial tips:

• Professional disciplinary measures: Professional licensing boards often take disciplinary action against employees with criminal and DWI convictions, especially if the conviction directly relates to their career. For example, healthcare professionals risk being penalized and having their licenses suspended or revoked.
• Reporting standards: New Jersey laws require professionals to report any criminal or DWI convictions to their licensing boards. Violating this requirement can cause an employee to be subjected to disciplinary measures. Ensure you familiarize yourself with your reporting obligations and the potential consequences to protect your credentials.
• Impaired mobility: Driving-related professions such as commercial truck drivers and taxi drivers are subject to a higher standard in regard to driving while intoxicated. A DWI conviction can lead to the suspension or revocaton of your license, significantly reducing your chances of being employed in that field.

Skilled New Jersey DWI lawyers can provide more insights into protecting your credentials if you have a DWI conviction. If you’re currently under trial for driving under the influence, they can help you create a robust defense plan to enable you to avoid a conviction.

An Experienced DWI Attorney Defending You to Avoid a DWI Conviction

A DWI conviction in New Jersey can have devastating effects on your professional life. If you have an existing job, you risk facing disciplinary action or having your professional license revoked or suspended. If you’re searching for employment opportunities, a background check that reveals the record could adversely impact your employment chances.

Unfortunately, a DWI record remains on your driving record indefinitely in New Jersey. So, if you’re under trial for driving while intoxicated, bring on board aggressive DWI lawyers in New Jersey to defend you against the charges. The Hernandez Law Firm, P.C. has a dedicated legal team that can work with you during this trying moment to protect your rights and future. Call us at 732-582-5076 to schedule a FREE consultation.