A Colorado DUI conviction might impact several areas of life, including your job. Many employers and industries require employees to disclose DUI convictions and other criminal charges or convictions. However, you might feel hesitant to share this information unnecessarily out of fear of losing your job.
How do you know whether you need to tell your employer about a DUI? The answer depends on your industry and several other factors.
Instances When You Might Need To Tell an Employer About a DUI
Your initial thought might be to keep your DUI to yourself and avoid telling your employer. However, some industries mandate reporting of DUI convictions and other criminal incidents.
Below are a few instances where you might need to tell an employer about a DUI, either because you are legally required to or because you signed a contract with your employer stating you needed to disclose such information.
- Your employer has a disclosure policy: Some companies require employees to sign disclosure policies stating that they will make certain disclosures, such as those related to criminal convictions.
- You drive your employer’s vehicles: DUI convictions often lead to license suspensions. If you drive your employer’s vehicles for work, you’ll need to inform them if your license has been impacted.
- You maintain a professional license that might be impacted by a DUI: Medical professionals, educators, financial professionals, and other specific types of workers may be required to disclose DUI arrests under the terms of their professional licenses.
- Your job requires certain security clearances: If you need to maintain these clearances for your position, a DUI conviction might impact your eligibility for them.
Can Your Employer Fire You for a DUI?
Your employer may have the right to fire you for your DUI conviction, especially if you work in a field that requires you to drive, involves public safety, or requires you to meet other professional standards. Future employers may also learn about a DUI through background checks and public records.
What Should You Do Before Reporting a DUI?
While you may need to inform your employer about a DUI, taking a few steps first can help you avoid unnecessarily disclosing this information and potentially compromising your job without cause.
- Consult an attorney. Talk to a criminal defense attorney who specializes in DUI cases about your rights and options. If you are facing DUI charges but have not been convicted, an attorney can help you defend your charges, such as by challenging evidence like a breathalyzer or field sobriety test.
- Review your employment contract and determine whether reporting is necessary. If your employment contract does not have a disclosure policy and you do not need to maintain a professional license, reporting the DUI might not be necessary.
- Consider whether your employer may already be aware of it. If you suspect your employer has become aware of the incident, telling them about it directly may be a good idea to maintain transparency.
Request a Consultation With Churchill DUI Defense
Do you need help navigating a DUI charge or conviction in the context of work? Consult with Churchill DUI Defense today by calling (303) 832-9000.