A Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charge can impact your ability to successfully apply for jobs that you are interested in. It is common for people to feel that their prior DUI does not represent who they have become since then, leading them to make attempts to omit their DUI charge when providing background information during the DUI process.
Whether you need to tell a potential employer about your past DUI depends on the circumstances associated with the employer and your case. If you have a previous DUI conviction but are not sure whether it is necessary to disclose that information in your next job application, here is everything you need to know.
What Is a DUI?
A DUI charge is issued when someone is found to be under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle. This is sometimes associated with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), which may be a different charge depending on the laws of the location where you were charged. Sometimes, the terms are used interchangeably, but in many cases, a DUI refers to drunk driving, while DWI refers to driving while intoxicated by drugs or other substances.
When Should You Disclose Your DUI?
Some employers ask about DUI convictions directly during the application process. Others only want to know about DUI arrests. Fortunately, if you were arrested and your charges are still pending, you will not need to disclose your DUI in applications that only ask about past convictions.
As a rule of thumb, you should never volunteer to offer up information about a DUI incident if you have not been asked to do so within the application or interview. Doing so puts your success at risk for little to no reason, meaning it is usually a bad idea.
How Should You Explain a DUI on an Application?
If a job application requests that you provide information about all prior DUI charges, be sure to explain why the DUI happened and what you have done to prevent it from happening again in the future. Tell the employer the truth; that it was a mistake.
You should also let them know what steps you are taking to make sure that this mistake will not be repeated. For example, if you have taken a substance abuse class or started attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, this may persuade them that you do not intend to drive drunk again.
Can DUI Convictions Be Prevented?
If you have a capable DUI lawyer on your side, they can work to have your DUI charges dropped. This could prevent a criminal conviction from coming to fruition. If there is no criminal conviction, your DUI charge will be less likely to impact your ability to find work in the future.
Though, it is important to note that it is incredibly difficult to defeat a DUI charge without a skilled DUI attorney. Contact one now to learn what steps you can take to defend yourself against an upcoming DUI conviction.
Can Past DUI Convictions Be Removed?
If you have a previous DUI conviction, you may be allowed to have your conviction expunged under Georgia expungement laws. When a previous conviction is expunged, the information about that conviction will be sealed and made unavailable to most employers’ background searches. Although these records will not be available to individuals, private organizations, or online search services, expunged records can potentially be found and accessed by law enforcement agencies and government organizations.
Having a DUI conviction expunged requires the completion of a delicate legal process. If you have little legal expertise, this process can become a huge obstacle to your success in seeking expungement. To improve your odds of having the conviction expunged, work with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to file for expungement properly.
What Happens if You Lie About DUI Convictions?
When you apply for a job, a background check is often issued to confirm that what you have stated on your application is true. If you decide to lie about your past DUI conviction, the background check is likely to present that information to the employer. These background checks generally verify your educational background, past work experience, and if available, your criminal record.
Therefore, any attempts to hide your DUI conviction or lie about it are likely to be futile. Once the employer finds out that you lied, the chances of you being allowed to work for their company decreases immensely. Even if you do manage to make it through the hiring process and become an employee, your new employer has the right to fire you immediately for lying during the application process.
Is My DUI a Serious Problem for Employers?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. For example, jobs that require workers to operate motor vehicles or machinery may have a strict no-DUI rule because a drunk operator could cause major damage to property, pedestrians, or other employees. On the other hand, you have employers who are more likely to be empathetic towards applicants who have DUI charges or convictions.
A DUI should not hold you back from finding employment, but it is important to understand why a DUI is a problem for most employers. You do not need to have a chip on your shoulder because employers are rejecting your applications due to DUI convictions. Instead, work with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer to have problematic DUI charges expunged from your criminal record.
Do I Need a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer?
If you are struggling to find work due to a prior DUI or if you have a DUI case pending, the best thing to do is to contact a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer. They will evaluate the circumstances of your situation and then present you with actionable solutions that can be implemented to decrease the odds of a DUI conviction impacting your ability to find work.
To get in touch with a Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, use the contact form on this page.
