Being convicted of a DUI in Cincinnati, OH, isn’t a situation anyone wants to go through. You probably know that in this scenario, you’re facing serious penalties that can even include jail time in some cases.
Something defendants may be less aware of is the collateral consequences that can arise after this type of conviction, affecting everything from their personal lives to their careers. With 100+ years of combined experience, we have what it takes to help you build a strong legal defense. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers at (513) 333-0014 to schedule a free consultation with our Cincinnati careers and DUI lawyers.
How Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help If You’re Arrested For DUI
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence in Cincinnati, Ohio, and are having concerns about your case and how it can affect your career, our attorneys can help. Here’s how:
- We will schedule a free consultation to discuss the case with you. Here, you can tell us your primary concerns about the arrest and conviction, which may include how it will affect your career.
- Our legal team will negotiate with prosecutors to see if we can have any of the charges against you dropped. Alternatively, we will work on obtaining lenient sentences.
- If appropriate, we will help you at your administrative license hearing and work with you to obtain a restricted driver’s license while yours has been suspended. This will allow you to go to work even if you lose driving privileges.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Super Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers, and Avvo. For help with a DUI charge, contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Cincinnati DUI attorneys.
Overview of DUI in Ohio
In Ohio, if you operate a vehicle and your blood alcohol concentration reaches .08 or higher for non-commercial drivers (21 and older), .04 for commercial operators, or .02 for drivers under 21, you may face a DUI charge. Convictions can lead to jail time, fines, and a suspended license. Penalties increase with repeat offenses, leading to more jail time, higher fines, and longer periods of lost driving privileges.
How Does a DUI Affect Your Career in Cincinnati, Ohio?
Being charged and convicted of DUI in Cincinnati can affect your job and your future career prospects in a lot of ways. Here’s how this can happen:
Current Job Security
If your workplace has policies against criminal convictions, you may face disciplinary action. Additionally, if you drive as part of your job, a driver’s license suspension could result in losing your job.
Professional Licenses
Some industries require a clean record. Your license or certification may be at risk if you have a DUI on your record. For example, to become a lawyer, you have to pass a character and fitness assessment. Having a DUI conviction could make this difficult.
Future Background Checks
Most employers run background checks. A DUI can make you look less appealing compared to other applicants when applying for new jobs. This could mean you miss out on opportunities that you’d otherwise be qualified for.
Networking and Reputation
Information can spread quickly in professional circles. If a potential employer or colleague learns about a DUI, your reputation may take a hit, which can hurt your ability to connect with others professionally.
A DUI can ultimately significantly impact a defendant’s job prospects and long-term career options. The best way to mitigate this is to work with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you’re arrested.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For DUI?
The best way to make sure DUI charges don’t have an effect on your career is to work with a lawyer to fight the charges. Some of the most common defenses that can be used in these cases include the following:
Not Driving or in Control of Vehicle
You’re only guilty of DUI if you are operating or in control of the vehicle. You may have a valid defense if you were parked with no intention of driving. For example, if you were pulled over on the side of the road because you were too impaired to drive (and never drove), you could end up being acquitted.
Chemical Testing Problems
Breathalyzers and blood tests must meet strict standards for calibration and administration. If test results were handled incorrectly, your lawyer can challenge them.
Plea Deal to Reckless Driving
If circumstances allow, a plea bargain may reduce your charges to reckless driving. This can lessen possible jail time and fines, and it has a much smaller impact on your record and therefore your career.
Not Under the Influence
Another defense is to argue that you weren’t actually under the influence. Your lawyer can present evidence that shows your symptoms were caused by a medical condition or something unrelated to alcohol. For example, fatigue, allergies, or stress can sometimes present symptoms that look like impairment. If your breathalyzer or blood test results are questionable, your lawyer can use these explanations to argue that the officer reached the wrong conclusion.
Your lawyer will determine the best defense strategy once they talk to you and review your case.
Having a driving under the influence charge or conviction on your record can have a significant impact on so many aspects of your life. One place where this can take a toll is your job and future career prospects. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the consequences and fight these charges with the help of an experienced attorney. If you’re facing DUI charges, let us help. Contact Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with our Cincinnati careers and DUI lawyers.
