If you are charged with DUI in California, you could be subject to several penalties, including jail time, a license suspension and the loss of your vehicle. If you are a teacher, a DUI charge may result in being terminated from your current job or losing your teaching license.
Steps taken after a DUI
Your employer will likely be made aware of the fact that you have been charged with a DUI. The licensing body in the state where you teach will likely be made aware of your drunk driving case. However, you are encouraged to report the incident as quickly as possible, as failing to do so may result in harsher discipline. A hearing will be held to determine the severity of the punishment in your case. Several factors, such as the details of your drunk driving case, employment history, or lack of remorse, might be used to determine the consequences of the charge.
Potential professional consequences
You may be suspended from your job or terminated by your employer. There is also a chance that your teaching license will be suspended or revoked, which may prevent you from finding work elsewhere. If your teaching license is revoked in California, getting a license in another state may be difficult or impossible.
Potential personal consequences
If you are convicted of a DUI, you may spend many months or years in jail or prison. You may also be fined or incur a driver’s license suspension or revocation. Additionally, you may be required to go to traffic school or install an ignition interlock device on your car as a condition of getting your license back.
If you are charged with DUI, you can contest the charge in court. This may be done by casting doubt on the reason for a traffic stop or how a chemical test was conducted. You may also assert that signs of impairment were caused by a medical issue as opposed to being under the influence of alcohol.
