To disclose a DUI on a job application, mention it only if the application explicitly asks about your criminal history. When you share this information, be honest, brief, and to the point. You can give the potential employer basic details, such as the date of the conviction and corrective actions you have taken.
You can frame the charge in terms of personal growth and what you learned from the experience. You should prepare to discuss the topic if it comes up during a job interview. Always emphasize your qualifications and readiness for the job, showing that your past does not define your professional capabilities.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer from the Simmrin Law Group can help you navigate this matter during a free consultation.
Know Your Rights as a Job Seeker in California
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime in California. Convicted offenders will have a conviction for the offense on their driving records and criminal records. However, the state’s Fair Chance Act protects job applicants’ rights. The act is also called the “ban the box” law.
Under the law, employers with five or more workers can ask potential job applicants about any conviction history. However, they cannot ask before making applicants a conditional job offer. If you receive such an offer, a potential employer can ask you about your criminal record and conduct a background check.
If they run the check, they must give you a copy of the report if you ask for one. At this point, you should answer questions about a conviction truthfully.
Read the Job Application Carefully for Questions About Criminal History
When you apply for the job, review the application for questions that directly inquire about a criminal record. If the application explicitly asks if you’ve been convicted of a crime, be up honest.
Failing to disclose this information after a direct inquiry can prompt the potential employer to disqualify you. If the omission is discovered after hiring, it can also lead to a firing.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Prepare to Disclose Your DUI on a Job Application the Right Way
Your work life can be affected by a DUI conviction in California, and how you tell an employer about it matters. While you must notify prospective employers about your DUI charge, you don’t have to only list the charge on your application. You can put your DUI conviction into context.
If you receive a conditional employment offer, use this opportunity to discuss:
- The penalties you faced and how you took responsibility for your actions.
- How you were willing to allow others to hold you accountable.
- Lessons you learned from the DUI conviction.
- Ways you have grown or changed since the conviction.
- Volunteer work or community service you did to show remorse.
- Any help you sought to address alcohol and/or drug abuse.
- How you completed a DUI education program and are managing your sobriety.
You can have some influence over how a potential employer views your DUI conviction. Take the opportunity to show how you grew and changed after the arrest.
Use a Cover Letter to Briefly Explain Your Situation
While the application might be the first place you disclose a DUI conviction, a cover letter gives you more space to put it into context. You can briefly mention your conviction while focusing mainly on your qualifications and readiness for the role.
If you have prior experience in a similar role or experience that makes you a good fit for the position you are seeking, emphasize that to the employer. You should highlight your skills and qualifications to show yourself in the best light.
Plan to Discuss a DUI if the Application Leads to a Job Interview
Disclosing your DUI conviction after receiving a conditional job offer will likely lead to more discussions. Feeling prepared to answer questions about your legal history can help you feel more confident.
Before you go into the interview, practice a concise, factual statement about the DUI offense and pivot to how you’ve grown from the experience and why you’re a good fit for the job. You should answer questions about the impaired driving offense by placing it firmly in your past and focusing on how you have changed. You may wish to mention:
- You realize that driving under the influence was a mistake.
- You took the event to heart and have made changes to improve.
- You are a qualified candidate with a lot to offer. Show how you plan to contribute to the company’s success.
Other Things to Know About Disclosing a DUI While Applying for a Job
You must handle disclosing a DUI with honesty and integrity, ensuring you comply with the law and make a strong case for your ability to do the job. However, it is also important to note that it is not a good idea to volunteer information about your DUI.
Perhaps your prospective employer saw your notes regarding your conviction, accepted that you have a DUI, and is not concerned. In this situation, you may not be asked any questions about the conviction. Do not bring up your DUI if the interviewer does not mention the charges.
Overall, Don’t Skip Mentioning a DUI Conviction
Some drivers can avoid the potential awkwardness of discussing a DUI by not informing an employer about it. This is not recommended. Employers can easily use an online search engine to find information about your past. They can also perform background checks.
You are very unlikely to get a job if your employer finds out you lied before being hired. Additionally, if an employer finds information about your DUI on their own, they may not give you the opportunity to explain the situation fully and in context.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Consider Getting a DUI Charge Expunged From Your Record
California allows drivers to seek expungement for their DUI charges. If you get a DUI expunged, it will be removed from your criminal record, and you will no longer have to mention it to employers. How long a DUI expungement takes in California varies according to the situation.
You can request that your charge be erased only after you’ve handled all your conviction-related penalties. Additionally, not all charges are eligible for this legal process.
You can consult with our office about how to proceed with an expungement. We can look into removing your DUI charges and answer any questions, including how much it costs to expunge a DUI.
Get Help for a DUI Case Before It Affects Your Job Search
If you disclose your DUI on a job application, you must do it carefully and thoughtfully. Before you apply, you can get legal counsel from our firm. If you want to explore expunging your charges, a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles from Simmrin Law Group can advise you.
Resolving a drunk driving charge in court could help you avoid a conviction. Find out how we can help you put a DUI charge behind you. Call us or complete our online contact form to get a free and confidential case evaluation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form