Drunk driving is a somewhat common crime. Most people don’t intend to get behind the wheel after drinking too much. They simply struggle to gauge their own level of intoxication accurately.
Those accused of drunk driving in Indiana may face operating while intoxicated (OWI) charges. Those who plead guilty or get convicted may be at risk of incarceration, probation, financial penalties and driver’s license suspension. There are also secondary consequences that may follow a conviction, including social and professional consequences. Many people find that OWI convictions have a chilling effect on their careers.
Creating a criminal record
Many employers perform pre-employment criminal background checks. They may choose not to hire those who have criminal convictions on their records. Even employers who do not have zero-tolerance policies for convictions may consider background check blemishes when deciding between multiple candidates for an open position. In fact, many companies pull background checks when promoting workers internally. A conviction could forever limit a professional’s advancement opportunities.
The impact of criminal consequences
In some cases, the criminal penalties imposed by the courts can directly affect a professional’s career. Those who have to serve time in jail may miss so much work that they lose their jobs. The loss of a driver’s license could also affect an individual’s ability to perform job functions if their job requires that they drive occasionally. Being unable to drive can also prevent people from getting to work on time and may cause habitual absences that affect their employment or advancement opportunities.
Professional licensing challenges
Some people drive for work. They need to maintain at least a standard driver’s license, if not a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A driver’s license suspension after an OWI conviction can leave someone incapable of performing certain job functions. Professionals with CDLs become ineligible for at least a year after an OWI conviction. Many other professionals require state-issued licenses to do their jobs. The licensing boards overseeing medical professionals and other highly-educated workers may impose professional consequences after a criminal conviction. An OWI could result in a professional losing a work-related license or becoming ineligible for one in the future.
Successfully fighting OWI charges can help ensure that people can develop their careers and lives as they have always planned. Drivers facing OWI charges often need help developing a strategy if they hope to avoid a conviction, and that’s okay.