Know when to get a DUI lawyer and if you are obligated to tell your employer.
So you’ve just been arrested and charged with a DUI and are asking yourself one of the most common questions, which is, “Will my employer find out about my DUI?“
Although you have a DUI charge, it’s time to sigh a breath of relief. In 99% of cases, your employer will not find out about your arrest and it will not affect your employment. However, make sure you know about the exceptions to the rule (there are some) and how to keep your private life private during this experience.
There are a few cases where your employer will find out if you have a DUI. These include:
- If you have a contractual duty to tell your employer about your DUI. This means that, as part of your employment contract, you are legally required to notify your boss if you are ticketed with a DUI. Review your employment paperwork or ask your human resources department to see if this is the case.
- If you are a truck driver with a major company. Often, large trucking companies will have “pull” lists with the DMV. If you are arrested as a result of a DUI, the DMV is required by law to notify your employer of your arrest. Check with the local DMV where you received the DUI to see if your employer has a “pull” list there. Also check out our article on how to get your CDL back after a DUI.
If you do not fall into one of the above categories, there is a very good chance that your employer will not find out about your DUI. So, how should you keep your private life private when you’re at work? Here are some tips:
- Don’t tell your co-workers what happened. Even if you normally share your personal life with co-workers, your DUI should be one story you keep to yourself. It’s one thing to tell your colleagues the cute thing your dog did last weekend, but when it comes to DUI’s—which could cost you your job—it’s best to keep quiet.
- Stay professional, but vague, if you have to miss work. Whether you have a court date because of your DUI or have a related appointment, you should let your boss know that you need a few hours off of work. Use a professional excuse, like “I have an appointment,” and leave it at that.
While at the office, make sure to follow the above tips and keep your personal life to yourself. Know too, that a DUI lawyer might be right for your case. Consult a DUI lawyer if this is not your first DUI. An experienced lawyer can also help you with their familiarity with the court system, knowledge of plea bargain details, and the ability to navigate complex administration procedures.
Rest assured that it’s highly unlikely that your employer will find out about your DUI. Just make sure to keep your personal life to yourself while at the office, and it will most likely not cost you your job or any job-related penalties.
Contact us for a consultation and get any legal questions you may have answered by our professionals. Reach out to us any time for legal advice.
(Article updated February 2021).
