Will an Idaho DUI Affect My Job?

The general rule about jobs in Idaho is that it’s an employment at will state. That means an employer can terminate you for any reason. There are very few exceptions to this rule. While it’s possible that you might lose your job for being arrested on a DUI charge while you’re off of the company’s clock, much depends on what your job is and whether your employer has a policy in place for dealing with arrests and convictions.

If Your Job Requires You to Drive

With short deadlines and time being of the essence in DUI cases, you’ll want to talk to us right away after a DUI arrest. We represent clients near Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.  If your job requires you to drive for your employer, or you were charged with DUI while operating a company car, you’ll need to immediately advise your employer of the charge against you. That’s due to a driver’s license suspension for 90 to 120 days that’s going to be waiting for you right around the corner on a first offense. If you don’t advise your employer accordingly, you’re probably increasing the chances of being fired if the employer finds out about the DUI charge.

If Driving Isn’t a Condition

A person is far less likely to lose their job after being arrested for a DUI if it doesn’t requiring driving, but issues could still arise due to absences for court proceedings and of course, the possibility of jail time. For purposes of keeping your job, you need an attorney who can do two things. First, he or she must be efficient and effective, thereby minimizing time away from work for court or serving a jail sentence. Next, you’ll want an attorney who can keep you legally on the road as much possible and for as long as possible.

Your supervisor or manager probably has a friend or family member who has been through the DUI wringer. He or she might have even been through it himself or herself. Assuming you’re a dedicated employee, supervisors and managers are more likely to want to work through it with you rather than fire you.

Contact a DUI Lawyer Today

DUI cases involve short deadlines. You’ll want to comply with those deadlines in trying to keep your driving privileges and job, so contact us right away after any DUI arrest, and we can arrange for a free consultation and case review. There are two sides to every story, and we’ll give your side our fullest attention. Then we’ll tell you what we think we might be able to do for you. Given the facts and evidence in your case, our goal is to obtain the best possible result for you.