Receiving a DUI can significantly impact your life, especially if you’re the owner of a small business. Even if you’ve never had a run-in with the law, knowing how a DUI can impact your organization’s reputation, stability, and operations is crucial to implementing appropriate mitigation strategies into any business model you’ve developed. The more you know about how a DUI can impact your small business, the easier it’ll be for you to prepare legally, financially, and even mentally for a potential legal woe you may experience in the future.
Operations
Unfortunately, when you’re the sole owner of a small business, a DUI can directly impact your company’s operations, taking time away from running your organization, and resulting in a loss of income. If you’ve lost your license due to a DUI, you may experience disruptions when it comes to seeking transportation to and from your place of business. According to Axlewise, there are more than 1.4 billion cars registered in the United States. Without a license, you’ll find it challenging to ensure transportation each day or more expensive if you need to turn to a transportation app.
Reputation
One of the biggest facets that’ll be impacted by a DUI charge when handling a small business is your professional reputation. A DUI charge can cause others to avoid using your place of business or placing their trust in your brand. In 2019 alone, there were approximately more than 32,000 DUI arrests in the state of Florida, according to the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility. Retaining a suitable lawyer is always recommended anytime you’re dealing with a DUI charge, especially when you have a business to maintain in any market or industry.
Financial Struggles
Anytime you receive a DUI, you’ll likely need to face a loss of revenue from missing work or attending court hearings. Lawyer fees, fines, and legal costs will also accumulate, which can impact your small business, especially if you’re solely responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of your company. You may also experience an increase in insurance costs, depending on what type of vehicle was involved at the time of your DUI and if you were operating a commercial or business vehicle at the time of your charge and/or arrest. You can consult with a trusted lawyer or attorney to determine the best course of action to take to prevent as much financial loss as possible, allowing you to protect and preserve your business.
Legal Costs
Hiring and retaining a lawyer is often imperative when you want to mitigate fees, fines, and jail time after you receive a DUI, especially as a business owner. However, it’s important to note that legal fees can quickly add up, especially if you require ongoing representation or if your case is more robust and extensive. In the United States, it’s estimated that there are approximately 449,633 law firms currently active, according to IBISWorld.
Finding the most qualified lawyer to assist you with a DUI charge as a business owner is vital for the best outcome possible. You can find a DUI lawyer who has experience in the business realm with recommendations and referrals from those you know. It’s also possible to research lawyers and independent law firms online and with the use of social media, where you can review testimonials and client remarks before scheduling an in-person consultation of your own.
Knowing what to expect when you receive a DUI as a business owner is important, even if you’re currently running a successful operation. Incorporating appropriate mitigation strategies into your business model and preparing with emergency funds and savings can also help in a time of need or when dealing with a DUI. With an understanding of the potential consequences and implications of a DUI, you can retain the right lawyer to ensure you remain as protected as possible anytime you’re dealing with the law.
