Newsletters

Impact of DUI/DWI Conviction on Obtaining Employment

Although most convictions from drunk driving are misdemeanors, any person convicted of drunk driving will have a criminal record. Drunk driving convictions can affect your ability to obtain or continue your employment. The majority of employers will run a background check on you and discover that you have been convicted of a drunk driving offense. For many employers, this will automatically disqualify you from employment.

Elements of OUI/OWI (Operating Under the Influence or While Intoxicated)

There are various statutory formulations used to describe the requisite elements of the criminal act of drunk driving. In a number of states, the requisite act consists solely of ''operating.'' These laws are known by the acronyms, OWI (driving while intoxicated) or OUI (driving under the influence).

Consequences for First Time DUI/DWI Offenders

If you have been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) you may face a multitude of penalties even if it is your first offense. The penalties for these offenses are so varied that it would be impractical to discuss each state's penalties. Many states have adopted sentencing guidelines that provide a sentencing range for each type of offense and provide the aggravating and mitigating factors that can increase or decrease the sentence.

Role of Expert Testimony in Drunk Driving Cases

When an individual has been charged with drunk driving, the State will often present expert testimony concerning chemical tests. The State is required to provide a proper foundation for chemical tests. However, if the defense can show that the State's expert lacked the required qualifications or that another key component of a proper foundation for admissibility is missing, the defense can object to the admission of the chemical tests. Although courts may allow an expert to testify regarding the results of tests done by a lab technician under the expert's direct supervision, the evidence can be excluded if the defense can show that the expert witness had no knowledge about the details of the chemical analysis other than what the technician reported.

License Suspensions for DUI/DWI

Even if a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) defendant does not receive a sentence of incarceration, it is likely that the defendant's license will be suspended or revoked. Courts are often limited by statute as to whether they can change the suspension terms to limit the impact on a defendant. A license suspension is generally not intended as a punishment but rather as a civil penalty imposed to protect the public.