Can I Lose My Job If I Get A DUI?

It is well-known that there can be severe consequences for a drunk driving conviction. Those who live in the Los Angeles area may also be aware that there are extra patrols out during the holiday season. What may not be as well-known are the extent of those extra patrols and the extent of the possible DUI conviction consequences.

Avoid the 100 is the name of a saturation task force made up of 100 police jurisdictions within California, including the Los Angeles areas. It was recently reported that as of December 21, the Avoid the 100 task force netted 926 suspected drunken drivers.

Last year’s DUI arrest total during the same eight-day period was 846, so this year shows a marked increase. Whether the increase is due to more drinking and driving or more police on the roads were not reported.

The consequences of a DUI arrest can be severe. Penalties for a first offense include fines up to $2,000, a six-month period of incarceration, loss of driving privileges and potential ignition interlock device installation or DUI school.

Depending on your employer, a DUI conviction can also mean the loss of one’s job. Those who need a commercial driver’s license, or CDL, often face a job loss when their CDL is suspended or revoked. The Roman Catholic Church also frowns on DUI convictions, although some Catholic leaders in high places lose their post, but not all. A bishop reportedly received a DUI and may not lose his position.

It seems to make sense that whether you live in Long Beach, Santa Carita, Glendale or elsewhere in the Los Angeles area – assign a designated driver, keep an eye open and keep your job!