Arguably, the worst part about having a DUI is the stigma associated with the charge. You might be seeking new employment, or just want to advance at your current one. Part of being qualified for a job, is portraying yourself as a responsible, qualified, good decision maker. Having a DUI, can sometimes stand in the way of that. You might be wondering if the DUI will stay on your record, and what role it will play in your employment. So, we’re going to give you a lay of the land…
Employment and DUI: What Does the Charge Say About Me?
Often, jobs will require that you have a clean driving record when you apply. Especially if, say, the job requires some or a lot of driving— such as pharmaceutical sales. A DUI is a misdemeanor, and more common than you might think, so for many employer, it won’t be too big of a dealbreaker. But for some, it might be.
Employers frequently find out about a DUI conviction during the application process. A DUI that has not been expunged from your record will show up during a background check. Therefore, it’s important that you be proactive and share the information first. if you do so, you will be able to better explain the situation, and reduce the shock of them finding out on their own. You cannot hide your charge, so instead, make the most of it.
Delayed Information and Annual Reviews
On the other hand, an employer may not find out about a DUI immediately. For example, what if you get the job before DUI. Six months after the fact, you’re driving home one night after the bar and boom— now you have DUI. Many companies will have an annual review of their employees where driving records come back up. So, if you have left your employer in the dark about the charge, it might cause trouble down the line.
Ultimately, that DUI might make no difference whatsoever in your ability to do your job. However, not having a license can sometimes hinder your ability to perform all of your duties, depending on what your job entails. However, if your job is one where driving is the main performance— you could be in for big trouble. If your career is based entirely on driving or having a certain license (such as a CDL), the consequences are much more serious. A CDL is revokable for up to a year upon your first DUI offense, and for life if you receive a second one.
Proactivity Proves More Promise
Ultimately, if you’ve received a DUI, your employment could face some danger. But, it also might not matter. The key is speaking with your employer— tell them what happened, tell them your plan to make it not affect your day-to-day life at work, and go from there. Being proactive is ultimately your best bet at success when dealing with DUI. We wish you luck, send our condolences for this difficult time, and offer our services if you’re seeking out guidance. A DUI is difficult, but it does not have to be the end of the world.