Do I have to tell my boss about my DUI?

A DUI can create problems in your life beyond those faced in the courtroom. Dealing with a DUI can be challenging, especially when it comes to your job. Depending on your employer, the consequences of a DUI at work can ranging from not getting that promotion to being let go from your job. If you were charged with or convicted of a DUI, you might be wondering if you are required to tell your employer and what information you should disclose. Determining who to talk to and what to discuss regarding your DUI should be carefully considered. This article is designed to help you figure out your options and make the best decision for your future.

As a general rule, the only people that need to know about your DUI are you, your attorney, and those family and friends you rely on for help throughout your case. For the most part, it’s nobody else’s business. If you have a job that doesn’t require you to drive and your employment contract doesn’t require you to disclose convictions after you’ve been hired, you shouldn’t have tell your job about your DUI. Unfortunately, there are some situations that would require you to let your employer know about your DUI.

Driving is a requirement of your job.

Many jobs require driving as part of the official employment duties. If your job requires that you drive, you might need to tell them about your DUI as many DUI convictions come with an automatic license suspension. Make sure you have determined if your driving ability will be impacted prior to telling your employer. If your license won’t be suspended, there may be no need to let your employer know about your DUI.

It’s important to know that just being charged with a DUI can impact your ability to drive, too. In some, circumstances a pre-trial license suspension will prohibit you from driving while your case is still pending in court. Fortunately, Kentucky allows pre-trial ignition interlock devices that can be installed in a car and allow you to keep driving on a special license. While the interlock devices can keep you driving, your employer would need to agree to have the device installed in your work vehicle. In these situations, it would be best to discuss your DUI with your employer. Failing to do so could result in the loss of your job or further criminal charges if you continue to drive for work while your license is suspended for a DUI.

Your employment contract requires you to disclose your DUI.

It’s important to read the fine print of your employment agreement to know exactly what type of information you are required to disclose. The contract might only require you to disclose past convictions received prior to the date you began working. If that’s the case, you wouldn’t have to disclose your new DUI. If the contract requires you to report convictions then you would only need to report your DUI if you are found guilty. You would not be required to report your arrest or that you were charged with a DUI. Similarly you wouldn’t have to report your case if your DUI was dismissed by the court. Keep in mind that while you may not be required to let your employer know about your DUI, you’re boss could still directly ask you any pending charges or convictions. If this happens it’s most likely better to be honest and upfront with your boss. While you may not be in trouble for your DUI, lying to your employer could be grounds for dismissal from your job.

If you’ve been charged with or were recently convicted of a DUI and aren’t sure if you need to tell you employer, give our attorneys at Baldani Law Group PLLC a call. We can help you determine the right decision based on your unique situation.

Call us now at (859) 259-0727 or contact us online to schedule an appointment for a consultation.