Will DUI Show Up On A Background Check And Impact My Future?
Driving under the influence is never a good idea. If you’ve been drinking, do the responsible thing and get a ride home with someone else. Getting behind the wheel after a night out of drinking can lead to serious long-term consequences. Many clients ask, “Will a DUI show on a background check?” The short answer is yes. However, having a DUI show up on a background check is not the end of the world. Read on to learn more about how to handle DUIs and how they can impact your future.
Why Does a DUI Show Up on a Background Check?
The first element to understand when it comes to background checks is that there are multiple types. Comprehensive background checks are ones based on an applicant’s fingerprints. These types of background checks are used by law enforcement and licensing agencies.
In some circumstances, employers also use fingerprint-based background checks for potential employees. If you are seeking employment involved in the industries of banking, education, healthcare, security-sensitive fields, or transportation, you will likely have to go through a fingerprint-based background check. This type of background check will reveal your entire criminal history. All arrests will be revealed, including DUI arrests and convictions.
Many clients are confused as to why a DUI charge would show up on a background check. While a DUI is a driving offense, it is also considered a criminal offense. This means it will show up on both your driving record and your criminal record.
In Colorado, receiving a fourth DUI results in a felony charge. The state of Colorado also counts DUIs from other states. Not just DUI’s received in Colorado. This is important to keep in mind if you have already received multiple DUI charges. Stay safe and stay smart on your nights out, even just one DUI conviction can negatively impact your future and life goals.
How Will a DUI Charge Impact Me in the Future?
DUI convictions can lead to serious long-term consequences that have the ability to drastically impact your future. If convicted, you could receive a license suspension, fines, or even prison time. All of these have the ability to negatively impact your future plans. While a DUI is considered the most serious traffic offense, a first-time DUI charge is generally classified as a misdemeanor. However, if you are a repeat offender or if the case is considered more serious, you may receive a felony charge.
When planning for the future, having a DUI charge on your record can create quite a problem. It can make filling out job applications quite complicated, especially when disclosing your criminal history. So while a DUI is a traffic violation, it is also a crime. You need to be open and honest about this with any potential employers. Lying about your criminal history or omitting it from your application can end up hurting your future more in the long run. While DUI charges can certainly impact your future, there are still many opportunities available to you.
Will A DUI Charge Affect My Ability to Get Hired?
While any potential employer will be aware of your DUI if they run a background check, that does not mean your chances of being hired are automatically ruined. Many job industries will be able to overlook a DUI charge, simply considering it a traffic violation. However, other industries will not be able to ignore this charge when running a background check.
Seeking employment operating heavy machinery or driving a company vehicle may be more difficult to obtain with a DUI on your record. Employment opportunities in the fields of banking, education, and healthcare may also be limited after a DUI charge. Even if you have a DUI on your record, do not be discouraged from applying for jobs. While you may not be able to obtain a job that requires you to operate a vehicle, there will still be a number of job opportunities available to you. Also, many employers will still consider hiring you if you are able to show them that you have engaged in treatment and have successfully completed a probationary period.
Consult with an Experienced DUI Attorney Today
Navigating a DUI charge can be an overwhelming process. However, this is not a process you need to embark on alone. Consulting with an experienced DUI attorney will help you better understand your situation and help you learn what options are available to you. Do not leave your future up to chance, contact us today to receive expert representation in your DUI case. We look forward to working with you and helping you to reach an ideal outcome for your situation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your DUI case.
Author Bio
Alexis Austin Litle is the CEO and Managing Partner of Right Law Group, a criminal defense law firm she founded in 2018, with convenient locations in Colorado Springs, Castle Rock and Highlands Ranch. With almost a decade of experience in criminal defense, she has zealously represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including DUIs, misdemeanors, felonies, domestic violence, and other criminal charges.
Alexis received her Juris Doctor from the University of Denver — Sturm College of Law and is a member of the Colorado Bar Association. She has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named among the “Top 40 Under 40” in 2018 by The National Trial Lawyers and featured in Authority Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” series.
