Driving under the influence is a bad idea at the moment, but most people don’t understand how getting charged with a DUI can impact their lives in the long term.
The truth is: If you choose to drive when you’re over the legal blood alcohol limit, both short- and long-term consequences can apply, including limitations on where you can take your career in the future.
Here is what you need to know about DUIs in Colorado and how they can impact more than just your driving record – they can also change your future career plans.
What Is a DUI in Colorado?
It is illegal in Colorado to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you have a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher, you can be charged with driving under the influence in the state.
A DUI conviction is typically a misdemeanor the first time, but even that charge goes on your permanent criminal record. In Colorado, traffic crimes such as DUI aren’t eligible for expungement or sealing. This means that the case will always be in your criminal history if you are arrested, charged with this crime, and ultimately convicted.
That makes even misdemeanor DUI convictions so serious for those subject to them.
DUIs and Background Checks
There are many different background checks to which a person can be subject. There are comprehensive checks, which are done through fingerprint technology. These are usually used by licensing agencies for employment and law enforcement.
If you are ever seeking a job in certain industries, such as banking, transportation, education, or healthcare, you will likely be subject to a fingerprint background check that will supply the full scale of your criminal history – including DUI arrests and convictions.
A background check in Colorado will show any DUIs from the state and other states, which is vital to understand. Essentially, even if you move to another place, your criminal history will follow you and affect your future.
The Impact of a DUI on Your Career
Even if you’ve not settled into your career yet, getting a DUI and having it become a part of your permanent criminal record can cause several issues in the future. You must disclose your criminal history when you fill out a job application.
And while a DUI may be a traffic violation, it’s also considered a criminal matter. You must always be upfront and honest with any potential employer about your criminal history.
If a potential employer runs a background check on you, they will see your DUI on it. This doesn’t mean you’ll be rejected on every job application, since most industries can overlook these charges, but it limits your opportunities.
If you ever want to work in a field involving driving or operating heavy machinery, it can be much more difficult to get a job with a DUI. Also, education, banking, healthcare, or any job that requires licensure may also be much more limited with a DUI in your history.
If you’re facing a DUI charge, you need help – not just for today, but for your future. Consult an experienced attorney.
About the Author:
Kimberly Diego is a criminal defense attorney in Denver practicing at The Law Office of Kimberly Diego. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and her law degree at the University of Colorado. She was named one of Super Lawyers’ “Rising Stars of 2012 & 2019-2022” and a “Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Colorado” for 2012-2022 by The National Trial Lawyers. Both honors are limited to a small percentage of practicing attorneys in each state. Additionally, Expertise names her to its lists of the 25 Best Denver DUI Lawyers and 21 Best Denver Criminal Defense Lawyers, both in 2020-2022. Ms. Diego has also been recognized for her work in domestic violence cases.
