Everyone knows that jail, community service, fines, court costs, and probation could be part of a DWI sentence. But what other issues can a DWI conviction create? Loss of driving privileges, revocation of a current probationary sentence, increased insurance rates, and embarrassment in your family or community circles are just a few collateral consequences of a DWI charge. Perhaps the most significant collateral damage immediately caused by a DWI charge or DWI conviction (or even pending DWI charge) is the impact on your job. Here are some common questions for those concerned about the impact of a criminal charge on their employment:
Does my employer have to know about my DWI charge? It's often written plainly in an employee handbook that the employee is required to notify their employer in the event of something like a DWI. The handbook will tell you what kinds of things you need to report, as well as who to report it to.
If I'm not required to report the DWI, should I anyway? If your employee does not issue a handbook, or does not require reporting of traffic related charges such as DWI, it can be tricky to decide whether or not to report it to your employer. Depending on the circumstance, the answer can vary. If you think your employer will find out anyway (like for example if your employer performs routine background checks as a matter of course), it might be better to tell them before they find out on their own. It will help you establish trust and show your responsibility, and give you a chance to address the issue in a forthright manner. You may want to contact an attorney before disclosing this information to your employer, for your protection.
Will I get fired if I get convicted of a DWI? That is difficult to answer. Some employers, such as federal or government agencies are required to dismiss employees who are convicted of DWI's. Officers in the military are a good example of this, as they are at risk of being discharged or losing their rank if they get a DWI. Private employers often have a much more lenient policy in regards to employees receiving DWI convictions. Additionally, employers see some charges as more negative than others. Larceny, or theft, for example can be particularly concerning for an employer, for obvious reasons. A DWI by comparison can be less of a big deal.
The impact a DWI charge has on your job can be life-changing, so make sure to seek advice on whether you are required to disclose a DWI charge to your employer or to seek advice on how to break the news.
It is very difficult to face a DWI charge alone, and an experienced lawyer like the ones at Minick Law can help ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care. Call today to speak with their attorneys for free, to discuss your case and see how they can help.
Does my employer have to know about my DWI charge? It's often written plainly in an employee handbook that the employee is required to notify their employer in the event of something like a DWI. The handbook will tell you what kinds of things you need to report, as well as who to report it to.
If I'm not required to report the DWI, should I anyway? If your employee does not issue a handbook, or does not require reporting of traffic related charges such as DWI, it can be tricky to decide whether or not to report it to your employer. Depending on the circumstance, the answer can vary. If you think your employer will find out anyway (like for example if your employer performs routine background checks as a matter of course), it might be better to tell them before they find out on their own. It will help you establish trust and show your responsibility, and give you a chance to address the issue in a forthright manner. You may want to contact an attorney before disclosing this information to your employer, for your protection.
Will I get fired if I get convicted of a DWI? That is difficult to answer. Some employers, such as federal or government agencies are required to dismiss employees who are convicted of DWI's. Officers in the military are a good example of this, as they are at risk of being discharged or losing their rank if they get a DWI. Private employers often have a much more lenient policy in regards to employees receiving DWI convictions. Additionally, employers see some charges as more negative than others. Larceny, or theft, for example can be particularly concerning for an employer, for obvious reasons. A DWI by comparison can be less of a big deal.
The impact a DWI charge has on your job can be life-changing, so make sure to seek advice on whether you are required to disclose a DWI charge to your employer or to seek advice on how to break the news.
It is very difficult to face a DWI charge alone, and an experienced lawyer like the ones at Minick Law can help ensure that your case is handled with the utmost care. Call today to speak with their attorneys for free, to discuss your case and see how they can help.
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Want to find out more about Waynesville area DWI lawyers, then visit James Minick's site on how to choose the best DWI attorney for your needs.
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