If you’re going to school with the intention of becoming a police officer or working in the justice system, something you need to be cautious of is violating the law in any way. Even a DUI, which is a relatively common charge, could hinder your ability to work in the field.
If you are interested in becoming a police officer, you should know that you can become a police officer if you have a DUI. However, it will depend on the kind of DUI you faced and the circumstances leading to it. For instance, if you have a normal DUI on your record from several years ago, it may have less of an impact than an aggravated offense from just month or two ago.
If you have a felony DUI on your record, it may be unlikely that you’d be hired to work with the police or in the justice system. However, there are options that could help you keep your career choices open to you in the future.
What should you do if you face a DUI when you’re in school?
If you face a DUI and are accused of driving under the influence, you do need to take this accusation seriously. Whether you’re facing a misdemeanor charge or a felony charge, you need to defend against the allegations. Getting the charges dropped or dismissed would be in your best interests, and that’s something that your criminal defense team should be looking to do.
If you cannot get the charged dropped or dismissed, then you should be working toward having them lowered or finding a way to go through an alternative program where the conviction may not remain on your record. If those are options for you, your attorney will discuss them as you go over your case and what to expect.
One DUI shouldn’t ruin your career, but the reality is that it can harm your opportunities and job prospects. This is why your priority should be to defend against a DUI and reduce the likelihood of a conviction. If you are able to avoid a conviction, you’ll be in a much better position when applying to the role you want.