Should I Tell My Employer If I Got a DUI?

Do You Have to Report a DUI to Your Employer?

If you have experienced a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest, charge or conviction, you may not know how to tell your employer about the situation. More specifically, you may wonder whether you have a legal obligation to disclose the information.

Deciding whether to report a DUI to your employer can be difficult, so we’ve prepared this guide to help you. The lawyers at MPL Law Firm can help you through this challenging time. Contact us to assess your case and determine the next steps.

Do Employers Care About DUIs?

Yes, many employers care about DUI convictions for reasons such as the following:

• Job responsibilities: Jobs that involve driving and operating heavy machinery prohibit being under the influence while on duty. This requirement is essential to ensure safety.
• Company policies and regulations: Some companies have zero tolerance regarding substance use. The same applies to specific professional industries, which have strict ethical standards.
• Liability and insurance: A DUI can result in higher insurance premiums for employers. Employers may also be concerned about potential legal liabilities if the DUI causes an accident while on the job.
• Reputation and public image: DUIs can affect a company’s reputation, raising concerns for employers. They can also impact customer trust and relationships.
• Workplace culture: Organizations that promote a drug-free workplace may view DUIs as incompatible with their culture and values. Other employees may also have concerns about working alongside someone with a DUI conviction, which can affect team dynamics.

While not all employers react the same way toward DUI convictions, many take them seriously.

Should You Tell Your Employer About a DUI?

Whether you should tell your employer about a DUI charge or conviction depends on several factors. Here are some examples:

• Employment contract: Read your employment contract to learn what it says about DUIs. Some contracts contain provisions requiring employees to make certain disclosures.
• Nature of employment: Certain types of employees, such as drivers, medical professionals, pilots, public officers, school staff, and military personnel, may need to disclose DUI arrests to their employers. This is especially true when avoiding substances is part of the job requirements.
• Company policy: Your company could have a policy that requires you to report DUIs to the employer. If you have one, look through your employee handbook to learn more.
• Timing of the incident: The timing of the incident could be critical in determining whether you should report the DUI. For example, if the DUI arrest occurred while you were on official duties, it could be prudent to inform your employer.

Your responsibility to report DUIs may vary depending on the situation. It is best to consult an attorney to get expert advice about your specific situation.

Can You Get Fired for a DUI?

One of the reasons employees hesitate to tell their bosses about a DUI is they fear being fired. Unfortunately, employers may have the option of firing someone for a DUI, especially in cases where an employee is required to drive, work with children or work in other high-responsibility professions.

A DUI arrest or charge can also affect future career prospects by making you seem like a higher risk for promotions and certain positions. Nevertheless, if your employment contract requires it, you will want to share your arrest or conviction with your employer.

What Should You Do Before Reporting a DUI to Your Employer?

Before speaking with your employer, you may want to consult with a DUI attorney, who can advise you about ways to minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life and career. An attorney can represent you if you feel you’re being treated unjustly because of your record.

You may keep the charge private if your work contract doesn’t require you to disclose a DUI arrest or charge. Nevertheless, office gossip or your picture in a mugshot can alert your employer and coworkers to your charge. It may be best to tell the truth if your employer asks you directly whether you have been arrested or charged. You should know what to say and how to say it, and an attorney can help you understand the best way to proceed in your specific situation.

Will Your Employer Find Out About Your DUI?

Your employer may find out about your DUI in various possible scenarios, such as:

• Public records: DUI convictions are generally public records. Depending on the location, anyone, including your employer, might gain access to the information. Also, depending on the nature of the incident, the DUI could attract media attention.
• Background checks: Some companies conduct periodic background checks on current employees. Once the checks are performed, your employer will likely become aware of the DUI.
• State reporting requirements: In certain industries, such as health care, professionals must report DUIs to relevant regulatory bodies.
• Self-disclosure: If you voluntarily disclose your DUI to your employer, they will know about it. In most companies, honesty is expected regarding issues that could affect job performance.

While there is no guarantee that your employer will find out about your DUI, it’s still a possibility. If you are concerned about potential repercussions, you should consider a legal professional for trusted advice.

Do You Need to Disclose a DUI When Applying for a Job?

You may need to disclose a DUI when applying for a job, especially if the role requires you to avoid substance use while on official duty. Many employers will run a background and criminal check before making a job offer anyway. If your DUI conviction is on your record, they will likely see it. 

In addition, some employers may ask questions about previous convictions, arrests or other issues. If you are asked these types of questions, it is essential to review them carefully. If you are asked whether you have ever been convicted of a crime, for example, but have never been convicted, or the case is still before the courts, you can honestly answer “no.”

It is not a crime to avoid listing a DUI on a job application, but it can hurt your prospects to lie if you are explicitly asked about DUIs, arrests or convictions.

Why Trust Us?

MPL Law Firm has extensive experience handling DUI and employment cases in Pennsylvania. We support workers with complex legal challenges by providing tailored advisory services and representation. We believe every case is unique, and our goal is to develop practical strategies to achieve the best possible outcome.

Our attorneys are skilled and knowledgeable in various practice areas, so you know you are in good hands. Moreover, we offer excellent client services by being responsive, committed and caring. While we prioritize effective legal solutions, we believe doing so in a friendly environment is best. This has enabled us to form longstanding relationships with clients.

Our core principles include honesty, transparency and innovation. We are direct and set realistic expectations, helping clients understand the possible outcomes of each case.

Get Professional Legal Support From MPL Law Firm

We understand it can be daunting to deal with DUI arrests and convictions, but we are ready to help. The lawyers at MPL Law Firm will listen attentively to your case and guide you throughout the process.

Do you need urgent support or want to learn more about your legal options? Contact us today for a consultation.