A DUI can be a devastating blow to your current and future job prospects. While it’s certainly true that a DUI is very dangerous, and it’s not something to take lightly, that can still put employees in a worrying spot when they’re concerned about losing their job or a job offer due to a DUI. Here’s what you need to know about hiding a DUI from an employer.
When You Can’t Hide a DUI
There are some times when you legally have to disclose that you either had a DUI in the past or you’ve just gotten a DUI citation recently. For example, you may have to disclose your DUI when:
- Your job requires you to drive a vehicle
- Your company policy requires you to disclose criminal records
- You have a professional license that tracks arrests and convictions independently
Essentially, if you drive as part of your job, your company has already told you that you need to disclose a criminal record, or you have a professional license from a licensing board that does its own research, you can’t hide your DUI. What you can do, however, is make sure employers know that you understand the severity of the charge and you’ve taken it seriously. This may mean going to an alcohol treatment program, seeing a therapist, and other steps that can convince a current or future employer of your dedication.
When You Can Hide a DUI
In most other situations, you are allowed to hide a DUI. This is most common when you’ve had a DUI in the past, and you can typically hide a DUI when:
- Your job doesn’t require disclosure
- You’ve had a court seal your DUI
Court sealing is your best option. If you’ve had a court seal your DUI, you don’t have to legally disclose the DUI even in situations where you otherwise would typically have to. If an employer has a disclosure policy, for example, you’re legally allowed not to tell them that you had a DUI. Sealing or expunging records is only available in certain states, and you may have to meet a list of criteria to qualify for a sealed or expunged DUI specifically. Talk to your lawyer about how you can get a court to seal or expunge your record, as well as how long the process may take.
Conclusion
Hiding a DUI is possible, but not always. If you’re not able to hide your DUI, you instead want to make sure your employer understands that you’ve moved past the DUI and you’re able to work productively for the employer despite it. In general, it’s always a good idea to talk to a lawyer if you’ve had a DUI and you’re going to be applying for jobs. They can let you know what is and isn’t legal to do in your city and state, giving you the best options for jobs while also not landing you on the wrong side of the law.
