A DUI conviction can seem like something that’s difficult to overcome, especially in the days and weeks after it. If you are a business owner, you may wonder how the DUI could affect your reputation in your local community and further afield, and how it may affect simple things, such as how you get to work and client meetings. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the effects a DUI can have on your business. Once you know this, you will be in a much better position to start making changes.
The Immediate Impacts
If you are convicted of a DUI, you will have your driving license revoked. As mentioned above, this can make it difficult to get to work, attend client meetings, and even do simple things like deliver new products to your business. Depending on your circumstances, the courts may take into account that you need a car during business hours, and they may be willing to provide you with a limited license which grants you access to a vehicle during limited hours. It is best to speak to your lawyer to see if this is a possibility.
Another way your business may be affected is the time you will be required to spend away from it. The worst-case scenario here is jail time. However, you may also need to be out of the office during business hours for meetings with a probation officer, for court sessions, or to fulfill your probation conditions, such as counseling sessions or blood alcohol tests. This will affect some business owners more than others, but you may be required to hire additional staff for the periods when you won’t be around.
Long Term Impacts
A DUI can harm your business in the long term too. Once you have been convicted, your DUI will be posted on your driving record. This means that when you are allowed to drive again, you may find you need to find a different insurer. Your premiums will be higher than you are used to and you may need to agree to certain requisites in order to obtain coverage. Some states now require people convicted of a DUI to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. This requires car users to submit to a breathalyzer test before the car will start.
You may also suffer a reputation hit in the local community. The best way to deal with this is to act genuine and seek forgiveness. Consider donating to a local school or giving a talk on alcohol awareness, or write to the local paper and ask them to publish an apology. You could also speak to the local bars and restaurants and try to implement a safe-ride system. The more active you are in helping your community, the more quickly your reputation will recover.
If you have been convicted of a DUI, it will affect your business. However, by keeping the above in mind, you should hopefully be able to overcome it in time.