Grand Rapids Impact of a DUI on Employment

When Michigan drivers are arrested for DUI (drunk driving), the first thing that goes through their mind isn’t “I wonder how much my fines will be for this”? Instead, it’s more along the lines of “What will my spouse and children think of me after this?” and “What will my boss have to say? Do I even have to tell him? Will I lose my job?”

Unfortunately, the answer to the last question is sometimes “yes,” and a drunk driving case can cause problems even for those employed in very high places. For example, the first woman bishop in Germany recently resigned after being pulled over for drinking and driving by local police. (Business Week, Patrick Donahue). She was the first woman to head Germany’s largest protestant church which unites 22 groups in the Lutheran, Reformed and United protestant faiths, and was elected just last year. She claims that her actions are not worthy of office. Her resignation came just days after being arrested.

But a Michigan DUI doesn’t have to ruin your life. Things can be done to prevent job loss, and to prevent dire consequences. Many DUI lawyers and DUI clients define a successful drunk driving case as a dismissal of the charges, a non-guilty verdict, or a reduction of the original drunk driving charge to a non-alcohol charge, and these things are important and excellent results, but what about those concerns that can directly affect the client’s personal and professional life?

A Michigan DUI crime cannot be expunged or removed from your record. This brings up many concerns when considering future employment options. Depending on your company’s employee handbook, a Michigan DUI could cause you to be terminated from your current job or passed over for that promotion you’ve been working so hard for. Many professional positions, such as law enforcement, medical, and even attorneys, are required to report their Michigan DUI offense to their employer.

And what about that family vacation you’ve been waiting for? While your Michigan DUI case is pending in the court system and sometimes even after your case is completed, you typically are not allowed to leave the state without permission from the court, and your request for travel could even be denied.

If you are divorced or are currently going through a divorce and have minor children, a Michigan DUI conviction can be used by a vindictive spouse to attempt to persuade a divorce court to change your custody or visitation rights.

We have had success in reducing a Michigan DUI felony charge down to a misdemeanor charge, allowing the client to keep his or her job. We will put our knowledge, trial skill and experience in defending Michigan DUI cases to work so that we can obtain the best possible result for you!