Driving under the influence (DUI) is a criminal act in California. This means a conviction will show up on both your driving record and your criminal record. You will need to tell any potential employers about your DUI conviction, as you would need to inform them about any criminal charge in your history.
The way that you inform an employer of your DUI matters. Use this article to consider how to disclose your DUI on a job application. You can also focus on methods to remove a DUI charges with the Simmrin Law Group. Reach out to us by calling (310) 896-2723.
Disclose Your DUI the Right Way in California
As we mentioned, you need to inform any potential employers about your DUI charge. However, you don’t have to just list the charge on your application. Putting your DUI conviction in context can improve your odds of securing the job that you want.
You should be aware that California no longer allows employers to ask about your criminal history before they make you a conditional offer of employment. This means that you should feel confident that your employer is interested in hiring you before you are ever asked about a DUI charge.
If you are given a conditional offer of employment, you may be asked about your criminal history. You should use this opportunity carefully. Make sure that you discuss:
- Lessons you learned from your DUI conviction
- Ways that you’ve grown since the conviction
- Facts about volunteer work or community service you did to show remorse for the conviction
- Any help that you sought to deal with alcohol abuse
You have the ability to shape the way a potential employer views your DUI conviction. Make sure you take the opportunity to demonstrate how you grew and changed after the arrest.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
Prepare to Discuss Your DUI in a Job Interview
Disclosing your DUI conviction after you receive a conditional offer of employment will not be the end of the subject. You will most likely be asked about the DUI charge with an individualized assessment, so you should prepare accordingly. Going in prepared to answer questions about your legal history can help you feel more confident.
You should respond to questions about your DUI by placing it firmly in your past and focusing on how you have changed. You may wish to mention that:
- Your DUI was a mistake that you made
- You took the event to heart and have made changes
- You are still a qualified candidate with a lot to add to the company
Note also that it is not a good idea to volunteer information about your DUI. Perhaps your employer saw your notes regarding your conviction, accepted your DUI, and is not concerned. You may not be asked any questions about the conviction in this situation. Do NOT bring up your DUI if the interviewer does not mention the charges.
Don’t Avoid Mentioning a DUI Conviction in California
Some drivers think they can avoid the potential awkwardness of discussing a DUI by simply not informing an employer of their criminal history. This is not recommended. Employers can easily Google you to find information about your past. They can also perform professional 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, you are not given the opportunity to demonstrate the ways that you have grown following your experience.
Consider Getting Your DUI Charge Expunged
You should be aware that you can remove DUIs from your record in some situations. The state of California allows drivers to seek the expungement of their DUI charges. If you get your DUI expunged, it will be taken off of your criminal record and you will no longer have to mention it to employers.
Note that you can only request expungement after you’ve handled all the penalties associated with your conviction. Additionally, not all charges may be expunged. You can improve your odds of successfully securing an expungement by working with a criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles today. Call (310) 896-2723 to speak to a legal professional now.
The team at the Simmrin Law Group can look into removing your DUI charges, making it easier for you to secure employment in California. If you contact us before you are convicted, our DUI lawyers in Los Angeles can work to construct you a defense. Successfully resolving a DUI charge in court can ensure that you are not convicted, so you do not have to list any charges on your application.
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Get Help Handling DUIs Before They Impact Your Job
You need to carefully disclose your DUI on a job application. Focus on showing your potential employer how you have grown after your conviction. You can also consider getting your charges expunged by working with the Simmrin Law Group’s DUI lawyers in Los Angeles.
Find out how we can help you put a DUI charge behind you. Call (310) 896-2723 or complete our online contact form to get a FREE initial case evaluation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form