Those convicted of a DUI in Florida may face heavy fines, suspension of their driver’s license, and even time behind bars. A DUI is a criminal charge, and having a conviction on your record could severely impact your future in many areas, including your college life and career. If you have been arrested for a DUI in Florida, it is essential to remember that you have the legal right to fight the charges against you.
Fortunately, you do not have to fight for your rights alone. Following a DUI arrest, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced DUI defense attorney in Naples. Your attorney will advocate aggressively on your behalf and work with you to find the best defense strategy for your unique situation.
How a DUI Conviction Could Impact Your College Life
Many colleges run background checks as part of their application process. If you are not yet enrolled in college courses, a DUI conviction could prevent you from studying at your school of choice. Additionally, individuals already enrolled in college courses may suffer far-reaching consequences as well, including:
- Losing or being denied financial aid
- Being barred from college-level education, medicine, and law programs
- Losing student housing
- Being suspended from your club activities
- Expulsion from the college or university
If you have been charged or convicted of a DUI, it is always in your best interest to notify your college or university and not lie about the situation. In many cases, students may face harsher penalties for trying to cover up the DUI instead of showing good faith by following proper procedures.
A disruption to your college life may significantly impact your future career prospects. The best protection against a DUI charge and conviction is never getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
The Consequences of a DUI Conviction on Your Career
While no law prohibits employers from hiring individuals convicted of drunk driving, your application may be rejected anyway. Many workplaces have a strict policy against hiring people with a criminal record. Even if the employer accepts your application, you will likely be passed over for candidates with a clean record.
A DUI conviction can also severely impact your standing at your current job. In fact, even being arrested for a DUI could be considered grounds for termination at your workplace, even if you were never convicted. Since Florida is an at-will employment state, your employer can fire you for any reason at any time. The only exception to this rule is being fired due to discrimination. However, firing someone due to criminal charges is not considered discrimination. It is up to your employer to decide if your DUI is grounds for termination.
Your boss may be forced to let you go in some circumstances due to a zero-tolerance policy. If you work in one of the following careers, a DUI could result in immediate termination.
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Coaching or teaching
- Professional driving (including commercial trucks)
- Aviation
- Law enforcement
- Any job where driving is in your job description
This is by no means an exhaustive list and a DUI charge or conviction could permanently disrupt many other careers. If you are facing DUI charges in Florida, it is vital to contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect yourself and get legal advice on your best path forward.
Hire an Expert Florida DUI Defense Lawyer
A DUI charge can upend your entire life overnight. When the stakes are this high, it is imperative to have a trusted attorney on your side. Attorney Robert H. Hanaford of the Law Offices of Robert H. Hanaford is an expert on Florida criminal law and is committed to being an aggressive advocate for his clients. He is dedicated to using his 38 years of legal experience to protect the rights of the accused and achieve favorable outcomes for their cases. To learn more about how Attorney Hanaford can help you and to schedule a free consultation, call us today at (239) 315-9750 or complete our contact form
