can i get fired

I worked for a nationwide company as a district manager I had just lost my sister with and buried her where I live 2hs south of where I was working at the Tampa office running on not much sleep my boss come into town wants to have dinner and drinks we all go out he then lets me drive where I had a accident falling asleep but because of alcohol on breath they charge me with dui I have a lawyer for this but the company fired me due to drinking and driving the company vehicle and no one asked what happen but my boss I don't think the company know he had us out now I'm losing my house and stuff cause of no job I just feel its wrong and my boss sends me stupid text and stuff. don't feel that I should had been fired if they had me out

2 answers | asked Sep 10, 2013 08:37 AM [EST] | applies to Florida

Answers (2)

Ms. Towzey is, unfortunately, correct. You cannot hold the employer responsible for either the DUI or for the termination of employment. While drinking may have been allowed, even encouraged, the employer's position will be that you were not forced to drink, should not have drank, if you did drink should have taken a cab, etc. I am sorry to hear of the circumstances, but you will not find any relief in trying to correct this by looking at the decision or actions of the employer.

posted by Arthur Schofield | Sep 11, 2013 07:34 AM [EST]

Although your boss may have violated a company policy by allowing or even encouraging an employee to drink and drive, you are still responsible for your own actions. Legally the company is within its right to terminate your employment for driving a company car while under the influence of alcohol. You may be eligible for unemployment compensation; however, based on the information you have provided you do not appear to have a claim against the company based on your termination.

posted by Phyllis Towzey | Sep 10, 2013 08:50 AM [EST]

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can i get fired

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