Should I Tell My Employer About My DUI Charge?

You got pulled over on your way home from a party by an officer and, long story short, you ended up with a DUI charge. Unfortunately, you’re also looking for a job, at this time. Will that DUI affect your job chances? Does your employer have to know about it if you already have a job?

You may be wondering: Can I get a class A license with a DUI in California? Can I get a job that involves handling money with a DUI charge? Can I get a job with children with a DUI on my record? Even if you already have a job, you may be wondering whether or not you should even tell an employer about a DUI charge.

Let’s get some answers.

Being Accused of a Crime/Charged with a Crime

In America, at least for now, just because you are accused of a crime doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guilty of one. Until you are convicted, you are presumed innocent. Even if a court of law doesn’t find you guilty, it can still look bad to be charged with a crime.

Depending on the circumstances, it can either be a felony or misdemeanor when you’re charged with DUI. But whose business is it, really, if you are found guilty of a DUI? Is it anyone’s business but yours? You may need to tell your employer about the development in some instances, but not all the time.

You May Need to Tell Your Employer If…

There’s every chance that you will need to notify your employer of a DUI if some of the following circumstances exist:

• You must drive on your job (you probably have to report charges, traffic arrests, etc.). This would apply whether the vehicle you drive is a company car or your own, as long as you drive for a living.
• If it is stated in your policy manual or employee handbook that you must divulge a DUI to your employer, then you must. Where military personnel are concerned, for example, this is the case.
• You may be under a labor contract that specifically states, in the case of an arrest, the employer must be notified.
• If you’re charged with a crime or arrested where a contractual obligation and/or government clearance is involved, you may need to disclose your circumstances under the obligation of the contract.
• If you are an air traffic controller, postal worker, commercial driver, or something similar, it is advisable that you come clean.

In some cases, healthcare workers are required to report arrests, as well. It would be in your best interests, regardless of your situation, to hire an attorney who specializes in DUIs. They can help you with all of the specifics and questions.

California DUIs and Employers

In California, when deciding whether or not to hire someone, employers can consider a DUI. When, due to criminal records, competent and qualified candidates are passed over, it is considered standard procedure in California rather than being perceived as discrimination.

If you have a DUI on your record, your best bet is to do everything possible to turn your life around. A good first step could be enrolling in DUI classes.

First-Time Offender? Multiple Offender? We Can Help!

Jackson Bibby Awareness Group can introduce you to how to fix your life after a DUI. We offer a DUI treatment program that involves a first offender program and much more. If you need to attend DUI classes in San Bernardino, Riverside, or other areas close by, don’t wait another day to contact us.