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How will a DUI affect your employment?

On Behalf of | Nov 29, 2022 | Criminal Defense

Undergoing a first-time DUI arrest can be a terrifying experience. You likely feel immediate concern for how this criminal charge or conviction will affect your job and future employment opportunities.

Washington DUI penalties include a minimum $990 fine and at least 24 hours in jail for a first offense. However, defending yourself against a DUI charge is also a matter of protecting your future and your financial security in the form of employment viability.

Will a DUI show up on an employment background check?

DUI convictions appear on your driving record and criminal record, as well as on any background checks that an employer might conduct when you apply for a job. This means that any company you wish to work for will likely be aware of your criminal history. Keep in mind that in Washington, employers cannot deny candidates a position based solely on their criminal background. Even so, some hiring teams might claim that a DUI conviction indicates poor judgment or reliability and use such justifications in passing you over for a job.

Can you expunge a DUI in Washington?

While you can expunge or seal certain misdemeanor offenses in Washington, DUI convictions are not among them. DUIs remain on the record permanently and will continue to show up on background checks. However, employers have an obligation to consider how a criminal offense might relate to the job at hand and the amount of time elapsed since the conviction.

Washington DUI charges become a permanent part of your criminal record and may affect certain employment opportunities if deemed relevant. You have the right to fight for your future by building a strong legal defense against the charges before you.