What Are the Legal Consequences of a DUI Conviction in North Carolina?
Being charged with a DUI can be scary and embarrassing. A conviction can place you in an awkward situation socially, professionally, and legally because of the various consequences you may face. Attorneys from a law firm in North Carolina highlight the following legal penalties you’re likely to face, depending on the case specifics:
- Fines that may range from hundreds to thousands of dollars
- License suspension for at least one year for a first-time offense
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
- Probation or jail time
- Mandatory alcohol education and treatment
- Hiked auto and life insurance costs
If you’re facing DUI charges, hiring experienced DWI attorneys in Morganton to defend you is advisable. They can create a robust strategy to have the charges dropped or penalties reduced to protect your rights and future.
What Impact Does a DUI Conviction Have On Professional Licenses?
Apart from the legal consequences, you also risk facing repercussions on your professional license if you hold one. A conviction for driving while intoxicated can trigger professional licensing boards to investigate your fitness to continue practicing your trade. As a professional, you must meet the legal provisions and protect the public from potential harm.
The licensing board’s investigation concerning your DUI charges tries to ascertain whether or not you present a risk to your profession or the public. The findings will help the board determine how much the conviction may interfere with your ability to work effectively, depending on the profession’s code of conduct and morality clauses.
What Professions May a DUI Affect?
Morganton DWI lawyers further explain that each professional licensing board has its ethics and standards. They also have the discretion to determine the appropriate disciplinary action. It would help to understand the board’s concerns regarding your professional fitness so that you can adequately defend yourself throughout the investigative process.
Professions that may be affected by a DUI conviction include, but are not limited to, the following:
Military
A DUI or DWI conviction in North Carolina can potentially ruin your career in the military, even if it’s a first offense or one committed during a vacation or on personal time. You could be demoted or be found unfit for duty.
Being in the armed forces means that you’re held to a much higher standard of conduct than the general public, and a DWI conviction could further complicate the situation. Let skilled DWI layers in Morganton help you fight the charges to protect your career.
Medical Professionals
Medical boards in North Carolina often view a DUI as a reflection of impaired judgment or an underlying substance abuse issue. As a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse who works in an environment where there are controlled substances, you must demonstrate that you won’t risk public safety by diverting drugs or working under the influence.
Financial Professionals
Accountancy boards and regulatory agencies frown upon financial professionals engaged in ethical breaches. A DUI could be treated as an indication of poor judgment, especially in fields that require a high level of integrity in dealing with sensitive financial matters for clients.
Professional Commercial Drivers
Commercial drivers, especially truck drivers, are held to a higher standard than regular drivers because they hold professional licenses. DUI truck accidents often have more dire consequences than regular vehicular collisions due to the massive weight and size of the trucks. If you’re convicted of a DUI as a commercial driver, you risk losing your license.
Attorneys
A criminal conviction reflects poorly on attorneys, considered scholars and upholders of the law. A DWI charge or conviction can be the basis of an investigation by the state bar, especially if you have multiple offenses or the charges are multi-faceted. The bar will evaluate whether your conduct reflects poorly in the legal profession and your ability to uphold the law.
Whatever your profession, it’s crucial to fight aggressively to protect yourself from the devastating consequences of a DWI conviction. Talk to skilled DWI lawyers in North Carolina as soon as possible after your arrest to enhance the chances of a favorable outcome.
General Contractors
Heavy machinery operators also risk having their professional licenses revoked if convicted of a DUI. If the penalties include restrictions on your licenses, there may be practical concerns about your ability to perform the various aspects of your job legally.
What is the Impact of a DUI on Employment?
Depending on the case specifics of a DUI charge, a conviction can have far-reaching consequences on your employment. The following are some possible outcomes, so you should fight hard to keep a conviction off your record:
- Lose your current job: If you break the law, your employer could terminate your contract. Besides, being absent from work too often as you attend court hearings could force your employer to lay you off.
- Miss out future employment opportunities: It may become difficult for you to land future employment opportunities due to a past DUI conviction.
- Inability to get to work: You may have difficulty getting to your workplace if your license is suspended after a conviction. Public transportation may not be viable, and ridesharing companies may be expensive. Your output at work may suffer, leading to termination.
A Skilled DWI Attorney Helping You Fight DUI Charges
A DUI conviction can have life-changing consequences on your professional license and employment. The best way to avoid them would be to avoid driving while intoxicated. However, if you are in such unfortunate circumstances, contact skilled DWI lawyers in Morganton to help you beat the charges.
Webster & Back, Attorneys at Law, is a reputable law firm with dedicated lawyers in North Carolina. We can evaluate your DWI case and guide you through the legal options. Call us at 828-677-2175 to schedule a consultation at a charge of $100 for 30-45 minutes.
