To determine if you are going to lose your job from a DWI, including your first; we need to talk about what you do for a living. Different positions have different rules. For example, if you’re a truck driver, or you drive for a living, holding a commercial license, we’re in trouble. We are talking about losing your job if you are a truck driver.
But if you work in retail, an office, a fast food restaurant, or as a student, that is an entirely different situation. Your boss probably doesn’t care about you getting a first-time DWI as long as you get to work on time. If you’re a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, or a nurse– we need to dive a little deeper to get that answer. But typically, even in those cases, a first-time DWI usually won’t result in job loss.
Most professional boards don’t care about a low-level misdemeanor criminal case. It is just like getting a speeding ticket to most of these organizations. Teachers, for example, typically aren’t even required to report a first-time DWI to their employers.
If you’re upset because you heard horror stories about people losing their jobs, I want to reassure you. You don’t need to make a snap decision about how to move forward and don’t let anyone use your job to scare you into doing so. It is just not the case.
I’ll tell you what I tell all clients. First, your life isn’t over, we’re going to get through this. Second, can I have the link to your company’s employee handbook? After I review it, we can discuss what you have to do and what you don’t have to do, as far as your employment is concerned. It is really a question best answered on a case-by-case basis.
And even though every case is unique, I’ll say it again, a first-time DWI usually won’t result in job loss. But to make sure you are not the exception to the rule, you need to hire an attorney whose goal isn’t just to win, but to minimize the impact your ticket or charges have on your life as a whole. Including your employment.