Pennsylvania residents like you may think that a one-time DUI conviction is not a big deal. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth. Even if you have a clean record, one DUI conviction could have a major impact on your future.
DUI convictions on your record can affect everything from where you live to what work you can do. In fact, you might find certain career paths inaccessible after a conviction.
Can an employer use your DUI conviction against you?
Forbes discusses job-hunting with some blemishes on your criminal record, including DUI convictions. Legally, a place of employment cannot deny your application solely because of a DUI conviction. But there are cases in which they can ask for more information about the conviction. They can use this knowledge to make a decision about your employment.
First, they decide if your conviction ties directly to the job you are applying for. As an example, having a DUI conviction means you cannot get or keep a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Without a CDL, you cannot take any job that requires you to use a vehicle. This includes rideshare jobs, positions in trucking or delivery and more.
Potentially losing your professional license
People with DUI convictions also face roadblocks when it comes to working with certain at-risk groups. For example, you will likely find it difficult or impossible to get work in job fields that focus on children. This includes childcare or teaching. The same is true for certain jobs in the medical field. If you already worked there, you might lose your license to practice or end up fired.
Finally, government positions do not hire people with DUI convictions. This closes off a huge avenue of well-paying jobs with good benefits, all because of one DUI conviction.
