A DUI charge can lead to many legal consequences, including fines and potential jail time. But, in addition to the troubles you may be facing in the legal system, it could also affect your employment. Even if you avoid jail time and are able to schedule each of your court dates around your work schedule, your employer could still find out. If and when that happens, what should you do?
You May Be Required to Tell Your Employer
In some cases, you may be required to tell your employer about your DUI. If any of these apply to you, you may have to notify them that you have been charged:
- You drive a vehicle for work
- Your employee agreement states that you must notify them of charges
- You have a professional license
Some employment contracts do require that you notify your employer if you have, or receive, any criminal or traffic charges, including a DUI.
Positions like postal workers, commercial truck drivers, or bus drivers may all have to notify their employer of a DUI. This is not a complete list, however. It is always a good idea to review your employee contract or discuss your case with a lawyer to find out the best steps to take following a DUI.
It is also a good idea to notify your employer if you were charged with a DUI on the job, because they will likely find out. If this is the case, they could let you go from your job, especially since New Jersey is considered to be an “at-will” employment state. This means that an employer can terminate your employment for any reason as long as that reason does not constitute discrimination under the legally protected classes.
Notify Your Employer to Receive Substance Abuse Help
Another reason to consider notifying your employer of a DUI, is if you have a substance abuse disorder. Many employers are accepting and recognizing the challenges of alcohol addiction. Some employers may even have resources in place to assist you with this.
Even if you are not legally required to notify your employer, honesty may be the best option for you. Your employer may be willing to work around your court dates. Additionally, it can save you from having to frequently make up excuses about why you’re late or frequently have to take a day off work.
However, if you aren’t legally required to notify them, it ultimately becomes a personal decision on whether you do or not. Generally speaking, what goes on before or after work does not concern your employer.
Read more: How Long Will A Drunk Driving Charge Stay On My Record In New Jersey?
When to Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer
Navigating a DUI in New Jersey is not always easy. If you are dealing with a DUI and it could affect your job or professional license, it is important to reach out to a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. In New Jersey, a DUI is not a criminal charge but rather graded as a traffic violation.
A DUI charge can still affect your employment options, especially if you have – or are trying to get – a job that requires you to drive or to have your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). That is why it is so important to take action as soon as possible.
Read more: License Suspension vs. Interlock Ignition Devices: Which Would You Choose?
Contact an Experienced Hamilton DUI Defense Attorney About Your Drunk Driving Charges in New Jersey
Have you been charged with a DWI or DUI offense in New Jersey? The lawyers at The Scardella Law Firm LLC represent clients charged with drunk driving, breath test refusal, and related offenses in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 587-1144 or fill out our confidential online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton, NJ 08619 as well as Audubon, NJ.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.