Yes, you can become a cop with a DUI (driving under the influence) charge on your record in California in some situations. While the court system issues harsh penalties for DUI convictions, individuals can still apply to work in the police force with a DUI on their record.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can provide more information about the potential career restrictions associated with a DUI conviction. A skilled lawyer can guide you through contesting your DUI charge and improve your chances of getting the job you want.
Is It Against the Law to Work as a Cop with a DUI?
Currently, there is no California law prohibiting anyone with a DUI conviction from being a member of law enforcement. However, though a DUI arrest does not exclude someone from being a police officer, a criminal history can have adverse consequences on a person’s career.
A DUI conviction could result in suspended or revoked licenses that are essential for a police officer to perform the duties of the job, potentially impeding a career in law enforcement. So, can you become a cop with a DUI?
Generally speaking, one DUI conviction will not halt an applicant from becoming a cop, but that does not mean that a potential law enforcement agency will not review their arrest record and pass on the applicant if they find a DUI on the applicant’s criminal record.
Do Police Hiring Policies Prevent You from Getting Hired with a DUI?
California does not have one set of standard hiring policies for law enforcement agencies. Individual departments and agencies can determine their hiring procedures and guidelines if the hiring policies do not violate labor or anti-discrimination laws.
While law enforcement agencies create hiring parameters, there are basic eligibility requirements for hiring police officers. You can examine the specific policies and procedures of individual departments when determining how your case fits into their eligibility requirements.
For example, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) qualifications potentially disqualify applicants who fail to adhere to traffic laws. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) requests applicants meet the minimum requirements for officers and states that a felony conviction is a disqualifying factor.
What Will a Police Department Look at Before Hiring?
Police departments consider several factors when determining whether a DUI will prevent employment. The department may ask:
- How long ago did the DUI conviction occur?
- Was the automobile properly insured before and after the DUI?
- Did the DUI result in any property damage?
- Was the applicant addicted to alcohol or drugs at the time of the arrest?
- Has there been any other DUI or reckless driving charges since the initial conviction?
- Is the DUI conviction a misdemeanor?
- Is this the applicant’s first DUI?
So, can you be a police officer with a DUI? A DUI conviction does not automatically disqualify an applicant from a law enforcement job. Due to the high demand for police officers, a drunk driving conviction may not prevent you from working as an entry-level police officer.
However, it’s essential to take a drunk driving arrest seriously by getting legal help addressing these accusations. Avoiding a criminal conviction can make the hiring process easier, even if a DUI does not represent an automatic disqualification from your career of choice.
What Aggravating Factors Can Impact Your Career in Law Enforcement?
Several aggravating factors can make it more challenging to work as a police officer after a DUI arrest. A few examples of aggravating factors include:
- Causing injury or death to someone else while driving under the influence
- Drinking while underage and driving
- Driving under the influence with a minor under the age of 14 in the car
- Driving with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) level (over .15%)
- Prior DUI convictions or multiple felony DUI convictions
- Refusing a chemical sobriety test
- Street racing or speeding at excessive speeds
Any of these factors complicate a DUI case and increase the chances of receiving a severe sentence if convicted. Fortunately, you can turn to a criminal defense attorney for help after an arrest, improving your chances of beating a charge and protecting your career prospects.
Are There Police Officers in California with DUIs on Their Record?
Yes, many police officers have DUIs. In 2016, the U.S. Department of Justice released a study of law enforcement officers arrested. The agency analyzed the arrest records of more than 6,700 law enforcement officers over a period of seven years. Throughout the study, 960 officers faced charges for driving under the influence.
That adds up to approximately 14% of the officers receiving a drunk driving arrest. Many of these individuals continue to work even with a DUI on their driving records.
These facts can encourage you if you have a DUI on your record at the time of application for a job with the police. So, can you be a cop with a DUI? Yes, you have this opportunity. In some cases, you can even get a job with a felony DUI.
Can You Improve Your Chances of Becoming a Cop After a DUI Arrest?
Hiring a criminal defense lawyer immediately after an arrest for drunk driving can help you build a strong defense and protect your future career.
A skilled attorney can help you fight these charges before they harm your career consequences. A lawyer can evaluate your case, explaining your options in detail and crafting effective legal strategies to help you get past this challenging time.
Working with a criminal defense lawyer can also help you avoid jail or prison time, fines, and restrictions on your driver’s license. For example, an attorney may focus on:
Having a Drunk Driving Charge Dismissed
The court may dismiss a DUI charge if a lawyer shows that the police stopped you without due cause or if the prosecution lacks evidence that you operated a vehicle while impaired by alcohol. A dismissed charge should not affect your job prospects. Instead, you’ll have a clean record.
Having a DUI Charge Reduced
Sometimes, your lawyer may recommend that you take a plea bargain from the prosecution to reduce your charges. A plea bargain requires you to admit fault for a less serious criminal offense, like reckless driving, in exchange for reduced penalties.
Hiring boards may look more favorably on a reckless driving charge than a DUI conviction.
Fighting for You in Court
Finally, an attorney may represent you in the criminal justice system. A lawyer can construct a personalized defense to help you face any criminal charges head-on and share how to explain a DUI on a job application.
Learn More About Becoming a Cop with a DUI
Can you become a cop with a DUI on your record? In some cases, yes, a police agency may hire you even after a conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. However, these charges may impact your eligibility for a job.
Do not treat a misdemeanor DUI charge lightly or like it is not a serious crime. Anyone who has been arrested for driving under the influence and works in law enforcement or is applying for a career as a police officer should contact a Los Angeles DUI attorney.
For more information, please contact us online or call us.
