It is best not to drink and drive. This is a sure way for avoiding a drunk driving charge or arrest. However, this may not always be possible. In fact, in some cases, individuals may be arrested for drunk driving even without having consuming one alcohol beverage.
If you left a bar or a social event after consuming several drinks, the sounds of a siren behind you will change your life forever. You will most certainly face serious fines and penalties that may impact all aspects of your life, and even cause you to lose your job. A drunk driving conviction can negatively impact both your financial and personal future.
The Effect of a DUI Conviction On Your Employment
While an employer may not be able to totally rule you out for a drunk driving conviction, it certainly will not place you at the front of the line for a job opening. Moreover, if you are currently employed by a company that requires some type of mandatory driving or a valid license, you may very likely risk losing your job. The bottom line is that a DUI conviction can significantly impact all aspects of your employment.
Can a DUI Conviction Be Removed?
Under New Jersey law, individuals who are convicted of many types of criminal actions can move to expunge their criminal files, which will effectively remove it from state and local agencies’ records. A successful expungement will prevent your past criminal records from showing up in most criminal background checks. This includes any records of criminal investigations, arrest, detention and court proceedings. Although the records are not destroyed, they are removed and placed in a separate filing reserved for expunged files. This may sound very appealing, especially for a drunk driving conviction.
However, unfortunately New Jersey specifically excludes motor vehicle offenses, including drunk driving, from eligibility for expungement. Even a drunk driving arrest is not eligible. Effectively, this law places drunk driving offenses, regardless of the specific facts of the arrest, in the same category as non-expungeable violent crimes.
Hire a DUI Attorney Before It Is Too Late
Since New Jersey law does not allow drunk driving arrest
and convictions to be expunged or deleted from your record, it is imperative to immediately seek effective legal representation if you have been arrested for a DUI. With the help of an experienced lawyer, you are less likely to be convicted of the charges. A conviction can seriously affect all aspects of your life – social, family and employment. The best way to avoid the negative consequences is not to drink and drive. However, if you do find yourself pulled over for drunk driving, you need to call an attorney as soon as possible.
Call Us
Have you or someone you love been arrested for drunk driving? If you need to speak to a New Jersey DUI attorney regarding a charge, please contact the Law Offices of Dan T. Matrafajlo at (908) 248-4404.a free consultation.
