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A DWI or DUI conviction on your criminal record could affect your employment in several ways. The situation gets more complicated if you commit a DUI while driving a company car or with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). A CDL is a commercial driver’s license regulated by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
Whether you can drive your company car after a DWI conviction depends on your company policy and how state laws apply to your particular circumstance. In some cases, you may still be allowed to drive a company car, but if you have repeated DUI convictions, you may never be allowed to again. This is why if you are facing a DWI charge, you must know what a conviction means for your job so that you can seek appropriate help from an experienced DUI attorney early on. At Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, we understand that a DWI conviction can cost you your job. Our lawyers have the legal expertise to help you protect your rights in a court of law and ensure you get the most favorable outcome for your case. If you are an employee charged with a DUI while driving a company car in Missouri, our law firm can help you understand the legal implications of your situation. We will explain your rights under Missouri law and advise on what actions you should take to protect them.
Personal Driver’s License v CDL License
If convicted of DUI charges while driving a company car with a personal driver’s license, you will face license suspension, among other possible penalties. A first-timer can expect to get their license suspended for about 90 days. For repeat offenders, their license could be revoked for up to a year or more. In the case of a CDL holder, your commercial driving privileges will likely be revoked for a year after a first conviction. If it is your second DUI conviction or you are a repeat offender, you may be permanently suspended from driving any commercial vehicle. It does not matter if you were driving a personal car with a CDL at the time of the DUI arrest.
Employer DUI Guidelines
Your company may have specific policies concerning DWI convictions and company cars. For instance, your employer might not allow you to drive a company car for a certain period after the conviction. Some companies may also require you to attend counseling or treatment programs as part of their policies. It is important to remember that your company may have the right to terminate your employment if you are convicted of a DUI while driving its company car. It is in your best interest to familiarize yourself with company guidelines and state laws to make the right decisions in light of a DWI charge.
How Soon Can You Drive a Company Vehicle After a DUI Conviction?
Legally, you can drive your company vehicle as soon as your license is restored and you have faced other legal DUI penalties. However, the consequences of a DWI at work depend on your company’s guidelines. These provisions are usually stated in your employment agreement or employee handbook. It could be a ban from driving a company car for a few months. If, however, the person’s primary job description involves driving and the company cannot or does not want to place them in another capacity, such a person may be terminated and replaced. Many employers will ban repeat offenders from driving company vehicles or even fire them. Before you make any decisions regarding a DWI charge, it is important to consult an experienced DUI attorney so they can explain all of your rights.
What If You Are Required To Drive With an IID?
You may require an Ignition Interlock Device to drive after a recent DUI. If so, you can apply to the court for an employment exemption variance. This will allow you to drive company cars without an IID. However, you will not be able to use the vehicle for anything personal, nor will you be able to drive with vulnerable passengers or anyone below 18 years old. The court will not grant your exemption if you are self-employed or wholly or partially own the company you work in.
Contact a DWI Lawyer
If you face DWI charges, you must understand your legal rights and the consequences of a conviction. An experienced DWI attorney can help you understand your legal options and assist you in presenting a strong legal defense to reduce the legal consequences of such an offense. At Benjamin Law Firm, LLC, our legal team is well-versed in DWI laws and will work hard to ensure you have the legal support you need. We will fight to help you avoid a CDL suspension, legal penalties, and other legal consequences. Call us today to speak with a knowledgeable DWI attorney.
