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Will I lose my teaching job because of a drunk driving arrest?

On Behalf of | Apr 24, 2017 | Drunk Driving

A drunk driving conviction will come with stiff criminal consequences. Those consequences may include the loss of your driving privileges, steep fines and, in extreme cases, time spent in jail.

Depending on your type of work, a DUI conviction could also bring your career to a halt. For example, if you work in a public capacity as a bus driver, police officer, firefighter or teacher, you might lose your job and you might not be able to find work in that industry again.

Example of a teacher arrested for DUI

In a recent DUI case, police arrested a middle school teacher employed in Loudoun County, Virginia, and accused her of driving under the influence. Even worse for the teacher, the arrest took place on school property.

Following the arrest, police charged the 29-year-old teacher with possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage on school property during school hours in addition to DUI. A sheriff’s office spokesperson stated that they suspect that the woman was intoxicated. The spokesperson further said that the woman was in possession of alcohol at the school. Police charged the woman and booked her into Loudon County Detention Center and set her unsecured bond at $2,000.

When police accuse a teacher of DUI – especially if the teacher was in possession of alcohol at school – it will trigger an investigation by the school board. Often, DUI charges alone are enough to result in a suspension from teaching. In the event of a conviction, the teacher could permanently lose his or her job with the school system.

Defending against your drunk driving charges

If you work as a teacher — or in some other public capacity — you’re at risk of losing a lot career-wise if prosecutors convict you of drunk driving. If, on the other hand, you’re able to successfully defend yourself against the charges, you might be able to circumvent negative career consequences. An experienced Virginia DUI defense lawyer can help you evaluate the potential consequences of your DUI arrest, while formulating a suitable strategy for your defense.

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