In Arizona, receiving a conviction for a DUI may also mean facing harsh penalties. For teachers who have a DUI conviction can endanger their occupation. Losing a job you love and one where many depend on you can mean a big change in life. It is possible, however, to maintain your teaching credentials even if you get a DUI.
Fingerprint Clearance Cards for Teachers
Arizona requires teachers to have a fingerprint clearance card because they work with children and young people. The card allows a person to work in a position of trust. If there are criminal
convictions in the teacher’s background, he or she would be denied a card. If they already have a card when a conviction occurs, they can have their card revoked or suspended. They can lose
their job.
Conviction of a DUI
Once a conviction occurs, you could possibly lose your teaching certificate and be fired from your job right away. In some cases, you might be able to continue teaching but your contract would not be renewed. It will depend on the case itself.
If You Lose Your Teaching Job
If you get fired because of a DUI, it might not just be this current job affected. It could also be that your future employment will also be affected. This can result in a bad financial situation. On top of this, a DUI will stay on your driving record. This might mean that you are prohibited from driving. This can make it difficult to get to any job. Many schools will terminate a teacher with a DUI, because it shows the person to be irresponsible and unprofessional. The poor decision making evidenced gives pause for the person to be allowed to teach children. However, no matter the consequences, any teacher getting a DUI must not withhold the information. Doing so can adversely affect current and future employment. It will certainly be found out.
A Good Cause Exception
There are ways to keep your job. When charged with a DUI or having one on your record, you can petition to show that you are qualified and a safe risk for a fingerprint clearance card. You might then prevent the card from being revoked or suspended. If there is an offense on your background check when applying for a fingerprint clearance card, the same applies. Good Cause Exception is a petition to the Arizona Department of Safety. They have an application that is filled out and which requires a number of documents. Filling out the application thoroughly and completely and attaching all required documents will possibly avoid negative consequences.
DUI convictions are serious and can have lasting effects on a teacher’s life. When trying to restore your security clearance for a teaching job, it is best to hire an attorney to help with the matter. If you would like to learn more about the services Chelle Law offers or to set up a consultation, contact us today.
