One unfortunate mistake after a fun night out at a bar can have lifetime implications for you. In Florida, even first-time DUI offenses carry long-lasting consequences.
DUI convictions in Florida can include a wide range of penalties like hefty fines, jail time, and license suspension. And it’s not just direct penalties that can hurt you—fresh graduates and those looking to enter the workforce with a DUI may find it difficult to land a job. You may find that your DUI can make an already tough job hunt even harder.
Here’s how DUIs can harm your job prospects.
Obtaining your professional license may be difficult
Many industries in Florida require a professional license to ensure public health and safety. Fields such as real estate, education, nursing and legal practice have state licensing boards that intensely scrutinize your background. Both one-time and repeat DUI offenders can find their applications delayed or denied based on criminal history. Applications may be appealed but it will generally be harder for you with your DUI on record.
Florida Statute Section 112.011 allows state and local agencies to disqualify you based on criminal conviction, but only if the crime is a felony or first-degree misdemeanor and directly related to the position you seek.
Inability to work in certain careers
A DUI conviction in Florida does not automatically bar you from working, but specific statutes may disqualify you from certain jobs. For example, first-time DUIs temporarily revoke your commercial driving privileges for one year, while subsequent DUI offenses may lead to lifetime disqualification. That means you cannot operate specific motor vehicles for business purposes unless the state approves you a through conditional review after 10 years.
Commercial driving is not the only career path you cannot take if you have a DUI, or worse, are a repeat offender. There are multiple fields that restrict individuals with DUIs on their record:
- Law enforcement
- Corrections and security
- Government driving roles
These career paths may be out of reach for those with multiple DUI convictions.
Turning up with a less desirable record
It’s difficult to escape a DUI in Florida. Employers can generally see your DUI convictions on your record with a simple background check.
Florida is an open-records state, which provides citizens with immense access to government records on individuals. On top of that, Florida does not allow you to seal or expunge DUI convictions, with only three exceptions: if charges were dropped, dismissed or lead to not-guilty verdicts.
Even when facing a potential DUI on your record, you still have ways to protect your job prospects. A proper DUI attorney can help you outline legal strategies in fighting DUI charges and avoid its most life-altering consequences.
