Because mistakes are just a part of life, you may have made a few yourself. In fact, you may have recently found yourself pulled over by a police officer and charged with DUI after a night out with friends. This could have happened for various reasons, and you may have even thought you were fine to drive. Unfortunately, luck was not on your side.
Now, you may wonder how to handle your DUI criminal case. Maybe you have considered pleading guilty in hopes of getting the case over with quickly, or you might think you do not need to work very hard on a defense because the officer did not have solid evidence against you. However, exploring your options and the possible consequences of a conviction may help you make a better-informed decision.
What about your future employment?
If your case does not go the way you had hoped or if you plead guilty, the DUI conviction will go on your criminal record. Did you know that this could affect your future job prospects and employment eligibility? In some cases, it could. While not all employers have concerns about such marks on a person’s record, it could have an effect under the following circumstances:
- The position you want requires driving a vehicle or using heavy machinery.
- The conviction takes place around the same time you apply for a new job or has occurred in recent years.
- The company where you apply has certain policies that do not favor individuals with DUI records when it comes to their hiring process.
- The position involves driving a vehicle with children, such as a school bus driver.
- The DUI conviction was for a felony.
Of course, if you choose to take steps to address any alcohol-related issues you may have, such as by going through a rehabilitation program, a future employer may look favorably on that detail and overlook a previous DUI conviction. Still, that is not always the case.
How can you work toward the best outcome?
Before you make any decisions about how to proceed with your criminal case, you may want to ensure that you thoroughly explore your available options. Gaining information on your legal rights and defense possibilities could help you see a viable route for getting through this ordeal with as few negative repercussions as possible. Avoiding hasty decisions as your case moves through the Massachusetts criminal justice system may be wise.
