Connecticut law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If an officer has reason to believe that you are not safe to drive, you will be charged with DUI. A DUI charge may carry several penalties, including potentially losing your teaching credentials.
A DUI charge can follow you
When you apply for a teaching job, you will likely be subject to a background check. This means that any potential employer will find out about your mistake and will want to know more about it before hiring you. If the DUI charge was your first infraction, there is a chance that a school district will take a chance on you, assuming that you show adequate remorse.
Your license could be suspended or revoked
Even if a school district wanted to retain your services after a DUI charge, it may have no choice but to let you go. This is because state law could mandate that your teaching license be suspended or revoked after you’re charged with DUI. If you don’t have a valid teaching license, you won’t be able to remain in your current job or find a new one. Furthermore, a DUI charge may make it challenging to obtain your license if you haven’t earned one yet.
DUI penalties could complicate your career plans
If you are convicted of a felony DUI, it may be impossible to obtain federal student loans. Therefore, you may not be able to get the degree needed to become a teacher or adhere to continuing education requirements. Furthermore, the fact that you might not have a valid driver’s license could make it difficult to get to work on time or limit your search radius when seeking employment.
A conviction for drunk or impaired driving could have a serious impact on your life. In addition to potentially losing your ability to teach, you may spend time in jail, pay a significant fine or face other penalties depending on the severity of the charge against you.
