Most people are familiar with the criminal consequences of getting convicted of a DWI. However, it’s important to understand that there can also be a variety of collateral consequences — including those related to employment. While a DWI in North Carolina can result in a criminal record, it can also prevent you from having certain jobs. In addition, it can affect your reputation, professional standing, and raise concerns about your professionalism. If you are concerned about whether you can get a job with a DWI, it’s essential to be aware of the impact a DWI offense can have on your livelihood.

How Can a DWI Impact Your Employment Prospects?

If you are wondering, “can you get a job with a DWI,” it’s important to understand that your future job opportunities may be limited — and you could even lose your current employment. While many employers run criminal background checks of prospective employees, some jobs are more sensitive than others when it comes to DWI convictions. For instance, you may have more difficulty getting hired in positions that involve driving, working with children, or handling confidential or sensitive materials.

Regardless of whether you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony DWI, jobs that can be impacted by a conviction of driving while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol can include the following:

• Bus drivers
• Truck drivers
• Delivery drivers
• Heavy machinery operators
• Healthcare positions
• Military and government jobs
• Teachers and daycare providers

If you are considering a career in the military, a DWI on your record can preclude you from joining the armed forces or make the process much more difficult. Typically, the military does not accept recruits with DWI convictions because they would not be able to obtain security clearance with a criminal record. However, in some cases, a waiver may be obtained for a single DWI offense.

A DWI conviction can also jeopardize any professional license or certification you have already obtained. Critically, doctors, nurses, attorneys, and other licensed professionals can be subjected to disciplinary action or even license revocation as a result of a DWI.

How Can a DWI Affect Your Current Employment?

North Carolina is an at-will state when it comes to employment. This means that an employer can terminate you at any time — and for any reason, with or without cause. It’s important to be aware of whether your employee handbook requires you to disclose a DWI. For instance, if you drive a commercial vehicle or company car, you should disclose that you have been charged with a DWI and your license is suspended.

A DWI can also cause you to lose your driver’s license for a certain amount of time and leave you without transportation to get to and from work. If you take too much time from work because you are unable to drive there, or because you need to serve a jail term, or perform community service, this could result in your termination. In addition, if you are not able to provide human resources with a driver’s license as part of your hiring paperwork, your employer may question your character.

In the event you were charged with a drinking and driving offense, it’s crucial to have a skillful DWI attorney who can safeguard your rights. Depending on the facts of your case, experienced counsel may help you avoid a conviction and protect your career prospects.

What are Employers Prohibited From Asking About Your Criminal Record?

If you are looking for a job with a DWI, it’s critical to be aware of your rights. An employer may ask you a number of questions about your criminal history when interviewing you. However, there are certain questions they are prohibited from asking. For example, although an employer may ask you about any criminal convictions, they cannot request information about arrests. You are not obligated to volunteer any information about a DUI arrest and should only provide information about convictions if you are specifically asked about them during an oral interview or on a written application.

Employers in North Carolina are also not legally allowed to ask you about your expunged criminal history — including any charges and convictions. You are not required to answer any such questions in an interview or on a questionnaire. Additionally, you do not have to disclose any information about sealed juvenile records that have to do with criminal offenses you committed as a minor.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina DWI Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for a DWI in North Carolina, it’s best to have an experienced attorney by your side who can fight for your rights and work to ensure the best possible outcome in your case. The Johnston County traffic ticket attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law provide trusted representation and aggressive advocacy for a variety of traffic-related offenses in North Carolina, including those involving driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Call (919) 300-1249 to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you.