Many people know that getting convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) can jeopardize their chances of getting jobs. This is because some states allow employers to scrutinize conviction records during applications. However, you may not know that a DUI conviction can also affect your existing job. Here are three ways in which this may happen:

Punishment for Missing Work

The most obvious way in which a DUI arrest and conviction can affect your work is if you have to miss work due to the legal process associated with your charges. For example, if you are arrested when going to work, the officers won't give you time to go and ask your boss for some time off. Then there are court dates and the probability of getting incarcerated, both of which may take you away from your place of work.

Whether or not you lose your job depend on the type of job, your company's policies and the number of days lost. Even if you are self-employed, you may lose some revenue due to your DUI-related issues.

Automatic Dismissal Due to the Conviction

There are also cases where a DUI conviction may result in an automatic dismissal from work. Here are three examples of situations in which this may happen:

• There is such a clause in your contract.
• Driving is part of your main job description. It would be difficult to continue driving if your DUI resulted in a loss of driving license.
• Your job requires a high standard of conduct. For example, a social worker who works with teenagers in rehabilitation centers may be held to a high ethical standard such that his or her position may become untenable if he or she is convicted of DUI.

Revocation of Professional License

Lastly, it is also possible to lose your professional license, or its renewal, if you are convicted of a DUI. This depends on your state's or licensing board's laws. Medical professionals such as doctors and nurses are examples of those who may lose their licenses after DUI convictions. In some cases, you may be lucky to save your license by entering a diversionary program (such as an accelerated rehabilitation program), especially if you are a first-time offender.

It's clear that a DUI conviction is not something to take lightly if you wish to maintain your livelihood. Luckily, there are many ways in which a DUI lawyer can help you to avoid a conviction. Consult an attorney today to talk through your options.