Many jobs require some security clearances. This includes government and military jobs as well as government contractors, private security jobs, and more. In many cases, if you are not eligible for clearance, you will lose your job.
If you have a job that depends on your security clearance, and if an officer arrests you on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol, you might have much more to worry about than possible jail time or fines.
According to Department of Defense reports, the top six reasons for denial or revocation of security clearance are:
- Financial considerations
- Personal conduct
- Foreign influence
- Drug involvement
- Criminal conduct
- Alcohol consumption
As you can see, a DUI conviction may factor into most of the above categories. First, whether your DUI was drug or alcohol-related, it may go against you for drug involvement or alcohol consumption. Having a criminal record will definitely factor into criminal conduct. Many would perceive the decision to drive while impaired as poor personal conduct. Finally, a DUI conviction can involve many financial costs, including:
- Fines
- Probation and DUI education costs
- Court costs
- Fees for license reinstatement
- Cost of an ignition interlock device
- Increased insurance costs
- Lost income if you lose your job or miss work due to the DUI
All of these costs can put a strain on your overall financial situation, which may result in unpaid debts and other trouble. This may prove an important factor regarding a security clearance, as financial considerations are by far the primary reason for denial or revocation.
Jeopardizing a security clearance is only one of many ways a DUI conviction can hurt your professional life and future. A DUI can also:
- Prevent you from pursuing certain educational paths
- Make it difficult to obtain or maintain a professional license
- Make you ineligible for jobs that require you to drive
- Cause you to lose a job if you must miss work due to time in jail or due to the loss of your driver’s license
To avoid all of these potential collateral consequences, avoid a DUI conviction whenever you can. The best way to limit the consequences of a DUI case is to seek help from a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer. Our attorneys work to reduce or dismiss your charges and always seek the best possible outcome in every case.
Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys in Maryland for Help Today
For more information, contact Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a confidential consultation with a criminal defense attorney. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Annapolis, and Lexington Park, Maryland.
We proudly serve Prince George’s County, Frederick County, Montgomery County, Charles County and the surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys – Lanham Office
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste 201 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 262-7005
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys – Frederick Office
25 E Patrick St #200 Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 381-1993
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Criminal Defense Attorneys – Rockville Office
11140 Rockville Pike 550-J Rockville, MD 20852
(301) 364-3195
Available 24/7