Will Your Job Prospects Be Affected by a First-Time DUI?

 Posted on June 17, 2025 in Driving Under the Influence

For those facing DUI charges, the question of how a  DUI conviction will affect employment may be the most common fear. And according to most statistics, these fears are valid. In three dozen states, it is illegal for employers to ask prospective employees about their criminal histories during the job application process.

However, once an employer makes a conditional offer to a prospective employee, a criminal background check can be done. Under certain circumstances, employers can rescind a job offer based on the results of the background check. Research has shown that almost three-quarters of hiring managers said they would not consider an applicant convicted of drug, property, or violent crimes.

In many cases, a single DUI conviction can cost you your current job and make it difficult to find employment in the future. If you believe your DUI charges or conviction will affect your job, it is important to speak to an experienced Stamford, CT DUI lawyer.

How Could a DUI Conviction Influence Your Job Prospects?

Not only can DUI charges affect your current job, but a DUI conviction can adversely affect both your current job and future employment. If you drive as a part of your job, especially if you have a CDL license, a DUI could cause you to be terminated from your job because you will lose your license for a period of time, even if this is your first DUI conviction.

While you are not necessarily obligated to inform your employer regarding the DUI charges you are facing, a conviction will almost certainly turn up during routine criminal background checks. A DUI conviction can result in medical professionals, teachers, those with government jobs, those in military positions, delivery drivers, truck drivers, and anyone who drives a company vehicle being terminated. Other companies may also have prohibitions against those with a DUI conviction.

How Long Does a DUI Conviction Stay on Your Criminal Record?

In the state of Connecticut, a DUI conviction stays on your record for 10 years. Additionally, the points you receive for a DUI conviction will stay on your record for two years. If you accumulate 10 points within a two-year period, you could have your driver’s license suspended.

Since DUI places 10 points on your license, you will automatically face at least a one-month license suspension. Additionally, you will receive a mandatory 45-day driver’s license suspension beginning 30 days after your arrest date. This is separate from the potential suspension you could receive as a result of your DUI court case.

How Will Your Employer Know About Your DUI?

If your job involves driving, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to conceal even DUI charges from your employer because your driver’s license is normally suspended, triggering notification to your employer. If you are convicted of DUI, and driving is not involved in your job description, keep in mind that the conviction becomes public record. If you happen to live in a smaller town where everyone knows everything about everybody, your arrest is unlikely to remain a secret.

It is much more likely for a DUI conviction to be discovered during a background check by a potential new employer. If your current employer does not conduct regular background checks on current employees, he or she may never find out unless you confess. Should you disclose your DUI charges or conviction to your employer?

First, look through your employee handbook to see what company policy is regarding DUI convictions. If you believe there is a good chance that your employer will discover your DUI on his or her own, it could be better to tell them. If you are looking for work, be prepared to address the issue honestly.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT DUI Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges, the best step you can take to protect your job and your future is to speak to a highly skilled Stamford, CT DUI attorney from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Attorney Weiner has practiced criminal law for over four decades, representing adults, college students, and juveniles, and has favorably resolved hundreds of DUI cases. Call 203-348-5846 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your DUI.