Good-paying jobs in Arizona can be hard to find, but having a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) conviction on your record can limit your employment opportunities even more. Generally, DUI convictions hurt those people in between jobs, rather than those who are firmly entrenched in their careers. If you have been convicted of a DUI and are searching for a new job, your employment options may be somewhat restricted, but knowing what you must disclose to potential employers can help you get hired even with a conviction on your record.

Suspended or Revoked Driver's License

Even if you are not seeking a job that involves driving, having a suspended or revoked driver's license as a result of a DUI conviction can hinder your job search. While some areas of Arizona have adequate public transportation, many smaller cities and rural areas do not. Some employers require their employees to have reliable transportation, and without a driver's license or access to public transportation, just getting to work can be problematic. If your driver's license is suspended or revoked, you may have to prove to your employer that you can reliably get to work as scheduled.

Limited Employment Options

Having a DUI on your record can limit your employment in some industries. Employers who give their employees use of a company vehicle, like delivery drivers, outside salespeople, or car lot attendants, will likely not hire anyone with a DUI conviction.

Although having a DUI on your record does not, by itself, prevent you from obtaining a Commercial Driver's License when your license suspension is complete in Arizona, finding work with a reputable company that requires a CDL will be more challenging. Many of these companies look at your driving records from the previous three years.

Disclosing a DUI to a Potential Employer

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from barring potential employees with misdemeanor or felony convictions -- including DUIs -- unless the employer has a compelling business reason to do so. However, many employers are legally entitled to conduct background checks, and they will find if you have a misdemeanor or felony DUI conviction. Unless you have a professional license, employment contract, or are otherwise required to disclose a DUI to your employer, you do not need to voluntarily give information about your DUI conviction, but you should answer direct questions honestly. Some employers only require information about felony convictions, not misdemeanors, so you may not need to disclose your DUI conviction at all.

Consult With an Experienced DUI Attorney

If you are seeking employment and have been arrested for DUI in Northern Arizona, including Coconino, Yavapai, Mohave, and La Paz counties, contact the defense attorneys at The Hamp Law Offices today. Remember, an arrest is not the same as a conviction, and you may not need to disclose an arrest to a potential employer. Our experienced attorneys can advise you on what information you must disclose to potential employers while building a strong defense to your DUI charge to protect your future. Call today at (928) 793-6868 or contact us online.