If you are convicted of DUI, it could have a significant impact on your career. This is generally true whether you were tried in Colorado or any other state. In some cases, this is because you won’t have the ability to drive, and in others, it may be because your employer has a strict policy against hiring people who have a criminal record.
Employers may question your judgment
Companies want to know that whoever they hire will represent their brands in an honorable manner. The fact that you decided to drive after drinking alcohol or ingesting a controlled substance is typically considered to be a serious lapse in judgment. It may be even harder to get a job if you have multiple DUIs on your record as it shows that you struggle to learn from your mistakes.
You may not be able to get to work on time
After a DUI conviction, you will likely have your license suspended or revoked. Therefore, you won’t be able to guarantee that you’ll have a ride to work each day. Even if you have access to public transportation, there may not be a train or bus available when you need it. Ultimately, you’re at a higher risk of missing shifts or having limited availability, which can reduce the number of jobs that you’re considered a fit for.
A criminal record can make things harder for the self-employed
If you run your own business, there is still a chance that a DUI could hurt your chances of success. This is because customers may not want to associate themselves with someone who willingly put his or her needs above the safety of the community. In fact, you may lose business even if your criminal defense attorney gets the case dismissed or obtains a plea deal in your matter.
A DUI conviction has the potential to derail your career before it has a chance to take off. Therefore, it is generally in your best interest to take steps to have the charge reduced or dismissed prior to a trial.