Law

Can a DUI Keep Me from Getting Hired?

DUIs often come with penalties other than jail time and high fines. In some cases, they could prevent you from getting hired.

Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol or drugs has serious consequences. Whether you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony, it could greatly limit your employment prospects. Many employers today run background checks on their employment candidates and when certain employers see a DUI on your criminal record, it might be enough to keep them from hiring you. Learn when a DUI could affect your employment below.

Convictions vs. Arrests

In many states, employers are not allowed to ask potential employees about their arrest record, even though they can ask about conviction records. Unfortunately, in Oklahoma, employers have the liberty to ask about both convictions and arrests. This means that if an employer asks you if you have been arrested for a DUI, you should be honest with them or it could make you lose out on an employment opportunity.

When a DUI can Keep You from Getting Hired

Sometimes, even if an employer asks about a DUI arrest or conviction, it does not necessarily mean that it will affect your ability to secure a job. Often, only employers hiring for a sensitive position allow a DUI conviction or arrest to impact hiring practices. If you are applying for a job that requires you to work with children, that could affect your ability to get that job. Positions that require you to drive may also be affected by a DUI conviction, as employers typically only hire drivers with a clean record. Additionally, if you would handle confidential information, such as when working in a government position, you may also lose out on employment opportunities with a DUI conviction, or any other conviction, for that matter.

Other Issues that Stem from a DUI

Even when an employer is willing to hire you, even with a DUI on your record, it could affect your ability to find employment. If you live in a rural area that does not have access to public transit, a DUI will affect your ability to get certain jobs because you will lose your driver’s license as a penalty. Also, employers often want their employees to present identification when filling out employment paperwork. You may be able to obtain a state ID card, but the lack of a license may serve as a warning to certain employers.

Our Oklahoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help with Your DUI Charge

Although employers in Oklahoma can ask about any prior DUI arrests, they will likely look more kindly on an arrest that did not result in a conviction. Our Tulsa criminal defense lawyers can ensure that your charges do not go any further. At the Law Firm of Boettcher, Devinney, Ingle & Wicker, our experienced lawyers know how to build the solid defense you need so you can beat the charges and still take advantage of all the opportunities you have now. If you have been charged with a DUI, call us at (918) 728-6500 or contact us online to speak to one of our attorneys.

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