You should never volunteer to offer information about a DUI (driving under the influence) incident within the application or interview if your employer did not ask you to do so. Doing so risks your success for little to no reason, which is usually a bad idea.
However, lying about a DUI charge can cause a prospective employer to pass on your application. Additionally, lying about your criminal history represents a type of fraud. So, if your potential employer directly asks about a DUI, you need to disclose it.
You can learn more about handling a DUI charge while applying for jobs with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer. An attorney can also help you deal with DUI accusations before a conviction to help you avoid this issue entirely.
When Should You Disclose Your DUI?
Some employers ask about DUI convictions directly during the application process. Fortunately, if the police arrest you and your charges are still pending, you will not need to disclose your DUI in applications that only ask about past convictions.
Additionally, some companies only ask about felony convictions on an employment application. If the court convicted you of a misdemeanor DUI, you do not have to disclose the conviction on an application for employment that asks about felony offenses.
Whether you need to tell a potential employer about your past DUI depends on the circumstances associated with the employer and your case. An attorney can help you determine if you should disclose your DUI on a job application.
What Happens if You Lie About DUI Convictions?
When you apply for a job, employers usually use a criminal background check to confirm what you have stated on your employment application. If you decide to lie about your past DUI conviction, the background check is likely to present that information to the employer.
These criminal history background checks generally verify your educational background, past work experience, and criminal record, if available. 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 decrease immensely. Even if you make it through the hiring process, your new employer has the right to fire you immediately for lying during the application process.
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. Tell the employer the truth: that it was a mistake.
You should also tell them about the steps you’ve taken to ensure you won’t repeat this mistake. For example, if you have taken a substance abuse class, this may persuade them that you do not intend to drive drunk again.
Job applicants have a chance to explain the circumstances after a DUI conviction to future employers. A lawyer can help you determine how to explain a DUI on a job application.
Is a DUI a Serious Problem for Employers?
The answer to this question depends on several factors. For example, jobs that require workers to operate motor vehicles or machinery may have a strict no-DUI rule. These employers care about a DUI.
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 essential to understand why a DUI is a problem for most employers.
Fortunately, a Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you get DUI charges expunged. A lawyer can also help you face these charges head-on to avoid a conviction. Without a conviction, you don’t have to worry about if you should disclose your DUI on a job application.
Can a Lawyer Prevent DUI Convictions?
If you have a capable DUI lawyer on your side, they can work to have your DUI charges dropped or reduced. If there is no criminal conviction, your DUI charge will be less likely to impact your ability to find work in the future.
However, it is essential to note that it is tough to defeat a DUI charge and keep it off your criminal record without a skilled DUI attorney. Contact one now to learn what steps you can take to defend yourself against an upcoming DUI conviction.
Can You Remove Past DUI Convictions?
If you have a previous DUI conviction, you may be allowed to have your conviction expunged. When the court expunges a prior conviction, the information about that conviction will be sealed and made unavailable to most employers’ background searches.
Law enforcement agencies and government organizations may access these records, but they may become unavailable to:
- Individuals
- Private organizations
- Online search services
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. A lawyer can explain how to get your DUI expunged in California.
What Is a DUI?
A DUI charge is issued when the police accuse someone of driving under the influence of alcohol. This action may connect with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), which may be a different charge depending on the laws of the location where you face charges.
Sometimes, people use the terms interchangeably, but in many cases, a DUI refers to drunk driving, while DWI refers to driving while intoxicated by drugs or other substances.
The court system and prospective employers take these criminal charges seriously, so it’s essential to get professional help from a criminal defense attorney after an arrest. A lawyer can also explain if you should disclose your DUI on a job application.
Learn About Disclosing DUIs on Job Applications
Should you disclose your DUI on a job application? You should reveal convictions on job applications if your potential employer directly asks about them. You do not have to volunteer the information if your employer does not ask for it during the hiring process.
A lawyer will evaluate the circumstances of your situation and then present you with actionable solutions that can decrease the odds of a DUI conviction impacting your ability to find work.
You can call or complete our online contact form to learn more.