Can a DUI Affect My Ability To Get a Job in New York?

Many people, if not everybody, know that a DUI charge can lead to prison time, substantial fines, and suspension of your driver’s license. However, many people may not know that a DUI can affect other aspects of a person’s life. For example, a DUI can affect your employability. Some employers ask about DUI records and conduct background checks when hiring. Some employers are unwilling to employ people with DUI records. In this article, we explore how a DUI arrest, charge, or conviction can affect your employability and the steps you can take to reduce the potential consequences of a DUI.

How Can a DUI Arrest, Charge, or Conviction Affect Your Employability?

Just being arrested or charged with DUI will often not affect your job search. Most states prohibit employers from asking about arrests. However, depending on the rules in your state, an employer could inquire about specific arrests. On the other hand, a DUI conviction can significantly impact your employability. Employers can ask about convictions, and most who ask about convictions also conduct background checks. In New York, an employer has the right to refuse to employ you if you have been convicted of a DUI, and they can show the conviction would be relevant to the specific job.

Some employers may be more sensitive about DUIs than others. For instance, if you plan to work with children, you might find it hard to get a job with a DUI conviction on your record. Also, jobs that require driving could be hard to secure as well. For example, it might be hard for you to be employed as a bus driver, truck driver, or delivery driver with a DUI conviction on your record.

If you have a DUI conviction on your record, all hope is not lost. You can consult a qualified attorney to check if your DUI can be expunged or sealed from your record. In New York, you cannot expunge a DUI conviction. However, you can have a conviction sealed ten years after your conviction if you have no subsequent offenses. If you qualify for record sealing, an experienced attorney can help you file a petition to have your record sealed.

Steps To Take To Reduce the Potential Consequences of a DUI

Taking proactive steps can help you reduce the potential consequences of a DUI. The following are some of the steps you can take that can help mitigate the effects of a DUI conviction;

• Seek help from a qualified DUI attorney: If you are facing DUI charges, an attorney can explore your options, such as alternative sentencing and plea bargains, which can reduce the impact of a DUI. If you already have a conviction on your record, an attorney can help determine if you are eligible to have your record expunged or sealed.
• Be honest with employers: If you are required to disclose your criminal record in a job application, be honest and demonstrate your commitment to change.
• Attend rehabilitative programs: By participating in rehabilitative programs, you will be showing commitment to growth and change. Employers may view such an effort favorably.
• Seal or expunge your records: If you are eligible for expungement or sealing, pursue this option with the help of a qualified attorney.

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Contact our NYC DUI/DWUI/DWAI attorney, Mark I. Cohen attorney today for legal help. We are committed to providing strong legal representation and guiding you through the complex legal process.