Employment and DUI Convictions

I was watching Celebrity Apprentice last night and was not surprised when Donald Trump fired a contestant, not because she performed poorly on the task, but because he found out that she had been arrested for drunk driving.

Many people arrested for a DUI are less concerned with court penalties and DMV suspensions than with the prospects of losing their job if they are convicted of a DUI. Doctors, lawyers, airline pilots, teachers and anyone who drives for a living come within this category.

Convincing evidence that a persons career is at stake, when presented effectively, can be a reason for a prosecutor to consider dismissing DUI charges. However, if this is not possible a more aggressive approach is often necessary and the case ultimately must be decided by a jury at trial. At Gold & Witham, we see jury trial as a last resort, because of the risks and cost involved. However, when a persons job is at stake, everything must be done to win the case at all costs.

There is a great deal of prejudice in the community against people arrested for DUI. We have Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other similar organisations to thank for that. However, although I appreciate it when people accept responsibility for their actions, sometimes it's necessary to defend yourself at all costs.