Driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses are somewhat common. People who otherwise obey the law consistently might drive after having too much to drink. Others may end up accused because of a police officer’s misconceptions about a situation.
Many people facing DWI charges contemplate pleading guilty. They want to minimize how much time they spend in court and may hope for a less severe punishment if they cooperate with the state. There is no guarantee of a lenient sentence when entering a guilty plea.
Defendants who plead guilty also have to deal with carrying a criminal record for the rest of their lives. It is not eligible for expunction or record sealing. The record of a DWI can also impact career ambitions and future prospects for professionals.
By complicating background checks
For many businesses, it is now standard practice to conduct a criminal background check before hiring a candidate or making a final decision about who to promote. People who plead guilty to DWI offenses can expect to explain their record to every employer and prospective employer in the future.
In some cases, companies may have strict policies about not hiring anyone with a criminal record. Other times, professionals in management and human resources have a degree of discretion that they can use when making determinations. However, a conviction might be the deciding factor when there are multiple qualified candidates vying for the same open position.
By affecting job performance
Employers rate the performance of their workers based on numerous different considerations. The ability to fulfill key job functions is a top priority. After a DWI conviction, defendants typically lose their driving privileges. Being unable to drive might leave a professional incapable of performing certain job functions. Even those who do not drive for a living may need to drive occasionally to fulfill certain job tasks.
Additionally, employers look at attendance and reliability. Workers who do not have their own vehicles and who must instead rely on public transportation or carpooling may be late for work or may have to take last-minute leave when they can’t make arrangements for transportation.
It is also worth noting that many well-paid professions require specialized licenses. Professionals could lose their state-issued occupational license or become ineligible for professional licensing because of a criminal conviction.
The decision to fight pending DWI charges can help people protect their careers and their finances. Learning about the secondary consequences of a guilty plea can help people see the importance of fighting criminal allegations.