Can a DUI Prevent You From Getting a Job?

by Shala Munroe, Demand Media

Even if you've only been convicted of a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge instead of a felony, your job prospects might be narrowed. Many employers ask whether you've been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, and most who ask run background checks to help them find the right candidates. If your chosen career doesn't involve much driving, handling sensitive material or dealing with children, your employer might be understanding about a DUI conviction.

Conviction vs. Arrest

Just being arrested for a DUI won't usually affect your job search. Most states allow employers to ask about convictions, but not about arrests. However, some states have specific arrests employers can inquire about. For example, in California, applying for positions with access to medications requires you to disclose any drug arrests, even those without a conviction. You don't have to volunteer information about a DUI arrest, and you should give information on convictions only if asked specifically during an interview or on a written application. You can also check with an attorney about getting a DUI conviction expunged from your record, which means you won't have to acknowledge it as a conviction on employment applications.

Sensitive Jobs

Employers for some positions tend to be more sensitive about DUIs than others. If you're planning to work with children, such as a teacher or daycare provider, you might have trouble finding a job with a DUI conviction on your record. Positions that require driving, especially a company vehicle, could be a problem as well. These positions include bus drivers, truck drivers, delivery drivers and outside salespeople. Many companies that handle confidential information have a policy to hire no one with a criminal record, and you might have a hard time getting into the military or getting a government job after your DUI conviction.

Other Problems

In addition to having a black mark on your record, getting a DUI can halt your job search in other ways. You might lose your driver's license for a period of time, which can leave you without reliable transportation to work. If you live in an area without adequate public transportation, this can hinder your ability to find a job. Relying on friends and family to get you back and forth can be a problem, as you won't be in total control of whether you're late to work or if you can make it to meetings outside the office. You also won't have a driver's license to provide to human resources to complete your hiring paperwork. Although you can usually get a state ID card, not being able to provide a valid driver's license might raise red flags with hiring managers.


If you aren't applying for a DUI-sensitive job, prepare some responses in advance to help offset the damage done by a DUI conviction. Although you don't have to volunteer the information, don't lie if asked directly about past convictions. A background check will likely disclose it, which makes you guilty of a DUI and lying. According to the University of West Virginia, drunk driving is the crime that's committed most in the U.S., so it's unlikely to shock the interviewer. Keep your explanation of the DUI short, and sound apologetic. Mention that it was a momentary lapse in judgment, and that you've learned your lesson. Follow up by giving the employer examples of some responsible actions you've taken, at work or in a volunteer setting, to let them know you are trying to make positive changes.

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