The Tampa Bay Times reported this week that 36 year old Jesse Mockler, a teacher, pleaded no contest to DUI and refused to submit to a breath test. As a result, it is likely that his days as a Middle School teacher in the Hernando County School District will soon be ending.
Superintendent Lori Romano has recommended the dismissal due to the fact that he made false statements on a recent application for the renewal of his teaching certificate. Basically, he failed to indicate on his application that he had been convicted for driving under the influence. This is considered a serious offense by many employers, who expect honest disclosures of any serious offenses by their employees. However, there are also many other employers who will not employ anyone who has been convicted of DUI. Mr Mockler may likely lose his job, as he has been suspended until October 1st, when the school board will meet to determine his fate.
His offense was committed back in July this year and landed him a period of one year on probation. He pleaded no contest to DUI and refused to undertake a breath test. Once a conviction of guilt has been leveled at an employee, the district’s policy is to inform them within 48 hours. This, Mockler failed to do, so when his conviction was discovered, it didn’t help his case.
This is not the first time Mockler has come face to face with the law. In 2007, he had another charge laid against him for drug trafficking. 12 oxycodone pills had been found in his possession. He was instantly suspended by school officials due to the felony drug charge. Not long after, though, he accepted a plea deal that prevented him from getting a felony conviction and he was able to return to work.
This case not only highlights the rollercoaster ride that Mr Mockler has endured as a result of his run in with the law, but it also shows that a DUI conviction can have serious repercussions for employment prospects. Few employers are prepared to employ someone with a DUI conviction, let alone any other criminal conviction. This is why it is necessary that you should hire a dedicated Tampa DUI attorney when charged with DUI in Tampa.
The DUI attorney will use his or her knowledge of the law and experience to attempt to get your DUI charge dismissed or the sentence reduced. There are many potential inconsistencies in a DUI arrest, such as faulty breathalyzer tests and non objective sobriety tests. Don’t forget that you are considered innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution must have convincing proof of you being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while actually driving, and in many instances fail to be able to do so.
The case of Mr Mockler is one of thousands of cases of DUI in the Tampa area where those convicted failed to seek advice and representation by an experienced Tampa DUI lawyer. Many people feel so helpless when locked behind bars that they submit to any accusations laid against them, thinking an honest admission of guilt will minimize the penalties imposed. Often times, though, law enforcers will take advantage of the weakness of those charged and will use anything that the person says as a point against them in court.
Never expect a law enforcer to be sympathetic. In most cases, he or she will not be. A conviction is what the business of prosecution is all about, not sympathy. However, a Tampa DUI attorney sees things differently and knows that an aggressive and skillful legal representation will ensure fairness for the person charged with DUI.
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