Teacher’s Arrest Illustrates Career Consequences of DUI
Earlier this year, a special education teacher in western Pennsylvania resigned his position after being arrested for driving under the influence, resisting arrest, public drunkenness, and criminal mischief. The incident occurred just before 7 a.m.; the teacher allegedly crashed his car into the railing next to a baseball field near the entrance to Gateway High School. Police reportedly found the teacher, Michael Mastorovich, 54, “in the school security office with bloodshot eyes and smelling of alcohol.” He subsequently “failed three field sobriety tests, and officers needed to use force to take him into custody.” The school district later reported Mr. Mastorovich had resigned.
A DUI arrest and conviction carries a variety of harsh penalties: fines, fees, loss of license, jail time and increased insurance premiums. But the greatest loss can be to a driver’s reputation. A DUI conviction indicates poor judgment, irresponsibility, and unnecessary, even reckless, risk-taking. A DUI record is a major embarrassment for anyone, but can be fatal for those in certain careers. For example, licensed professionals such as doctors, lawyers, nurses, and contractors must disclose a DUI conviction to their licensing boards, which could suspend their professional license.
If the reporting on Mr. Mastorovich’s case is accurate, he would be in danger of losing his teaching certificate. But even if the board of education decided not to discipline him, it would have been extremely difficult for Mr. Mastorovich to win back the confidence of students and parents in his school district after driving in a manner that could have seriously, perhaps fatally, injured students at the school. And if he applies for a teaching position in another district, a conviction will be discovered during a background check.
If you are arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, you must consider the long-term ramifications of a conviction. Retain an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately to handle your case and mitigate the damage to your career.
David R. Eshelman defends motorists from DUI charges in the Reading area. If you are charged with driving under the influence, protect your rights by meeting with criminal defense attorney David R. Eshelman today.
