DUI Convictions and Employment
Are you facing driving under the influence (DUI) charges under Section 316.193 of the Florida Statutes? If so, you probably have a lot of questions, especially if this is your first offense.
Will you be found guilty? What will the fines be? Will you go to jail? What will happen to your auto insurance rates? And can you get fired for a DUI?
In this article, we specifically discuss how Florida employers may react to DUI charges. Will you lose your job because of a DUI arrest or conviction? Is it even legal to be fired for a DUI, or is that considered discrimination?
Florida is an At-Will Employment State
Florida is an at-will employment state, which means employers can terminate employees at any point in time for any reason, with the exception of discrimination. For example, it’s illegal for employers to terminate employees based on race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, etc.
But fire employees because of a criminal arrest or conviction? Yes, employers can legally do that. This means that yes, you can get fired for a DUI in Florida.
But will YOUR employer fire you because of a DUI arrest or conviction? It depends on a number of factors, such as:
- Your occupation
- The industry you work in
- Your employer’s view on DUIs
- Your relationship with your employer
- If your job can be held until you get back from jail (if you go to jail)
- If a DUI is just bad for business
Certain Industries Frown Upon DUIs
In reality, certain industries frown upon DUIs far more than others. For instance, the high school teacher, the nurse, the politician, the childcare provider, and the real estate agent are in a much worse position than say, a chef, or a retail clerk, or an IT professional when it comes to DUIs. Why? Because select industries have a lower tolerance for criminal convictions than others.
Do you work in any of the following professions? If so, a DUI could impact your job.
- Teaching
- Childcare
- Real estate
- Healthcare
- Politics
- Trucking
- Education
- Coaching high school or college
- Driving for a cab company, Uber or Lyft
If you do not work in any of the above professions and you have a good relationship with your boss, then a DUI may not mean the end of your job. On the other hand, if your boss does frown upon DUIs, it could impact your current position as well as future employment opportunities.
In some professions, a DUI can be a career-killer. In any case, the best way to protect your career is to avoid a DUI conviction in the first place.
Fight your DUI charges! Contact The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. today.