For those who work in sales, the ability to drive is essential to your responsibilities. Unfortunately, your career could come to a grinding halt if you are convicted of a DUI. How would this affect the plans you have for your future?
About the penalties
The state of South Dakota wants to reduce incidents of drunk driving, and in this effort, has put harsh penalties in place, even for first-time offenders. Both first and second convictions are misdemeanors, but they involve hefty fines and a loss of driving privileges, plus possible jail time and mandatory participation in a sobriety program.
Job issues
As a salesperson who spends a lot of time on the road, losing your driver’s license, even temporarily, is a problem that you can ill afford. Your current employer may require a clean driving record and could terminate you over a DUI conviction.
Finding a new job may also be difficult for you. Recruiters routinely perform background checks on applicants, and a DUI on your record may affect your ability to appear responsible and trustworthy.
Insurance problems
The company that currently provides your auto insurance will not look kindly on a DUI conviction. The agency may view you as a high-risk driver and either terminate your coverage or issue a new policy with a much higher premium. In fact, you could be looking at exorbitant premiums for the foreseeable future.
Seeking help
If law enforcement arrests you for driving under the influence of alcohol, explore your legal options without delay. You depend on your car to get to work, see customers, keep appointments such as an upcoming job interview and more. Therefore, your first concern should be avoiding driver’s license revocation. One mistake, or especially an improper arrest, should not derail the plans that you have for your future.