Almost everyone gets pulled over at least once in their life. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but if the officer thinks you are drunk, you will likely be asked to undergo a test. One of the most common tests are the Field Sobriety Tests. These are three actions that you must be able to perform adequately to prove that you are not impaired by alcohol. The first is an eye-tracking test, the second a walking test, and the last is a standing on one leg test. Failing these tests can impact all parts of your life. Including your job.
The Results
Failing a field sobriety test is the first step towards being convicted of a DUI. The three standard field sobriety tests range from 79–88 percent accuracy. As such it is important to remember that in most states you are not legally required to take any field sobriety tests. The officer that pulled you over may repeatedly ask you to take the tests, but you can continue to deny the request without worry of consequence. This however does not necessarily apply to a chemical test.
What If You Lose Your License?
If you are convicted of a DUI, you may lose your license, at the very least it will be suspended. This means that you will need to find a new way to get to and from work. If the distance is far, and you don’t have public transit, then you’ll be needing a taxi or a carpool. This will be a major inconvenience and could cost a lot of money. If your job requires you to drive, then you may be out of luck. Even if you get an exemption allowing you to drive for work, most insurance companies will not insure employees with a DUI. This may force your company to fire you.
Loss of Job and Professional License
Most companies require that you report being convicted of a crime. Being convicted of a crime is usually grounds for immediate termination. That means that you can get fired without benefits if your company chooses to get rid of you. Even if they choose to keep you, you could lose your professional certifications. Depending on your state’s laws, your conduct could be in violation of the professional license that permits you to work. If you lose this license, you can’t work.
Driving while drunk is a serious matter. Just don’t do it. The risk isn’t worth it. Getting pulled over by a cop is the least of your worries. If you crash, something much worse could happen. If you do get pulled over, and aren’t drunk, remember you aren’t required to undergo the field tests.
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