PinWe’ve discussed the issue of how drunk driving can impact your employment prospects before. Specifically, we noted that a DWI conviction can surface during the job search process, often because of applications that require disclosure of previous arrests or convictions. A corollary to the question of how a DWI conviction can impact your employment prospects involves discussion over whether you have to report the DWI conviction to a current employer. To find out more, keep reading.
Are you required by law to report a DWI to an employer?
Thankfully, there is no blanket legal requirement in Minnesota that an individual arrested or convicted of drunk driving has to report the conviction to an employer. This means that the vast majority of workers never have any cause to bring an arrest or conviction to their employer’s attention. Punishment for a DWI is thus very unlikely because it typically never needs to be brought up.
Are there exceptions to this reporting rule?
The answer here is unfortunately yes. Though there is no legal requirement that all workers report a DWI to their employer, the face is that private employment contracts may contain clauses requiring such mandatory reporting of criminal convictions or arrests. Though the law doesn’t require it, if you signed an employment contract that does require mandatory reporting, then you are obligated to follow through and reveal any qualifying arrest or conviction to your boss.
Are certain professionals required to report drunk driving convictions?
Among those with employment contracts requiring self-reporting of criminal infractions, several groups deserve special mention. For one thing, doctors are usually required to reveal any criminal conviction to the state medical board. Pilots are another group that are required to report criminal convictions, including drunk driving arrests. This requirement is handed down by the FAA and is a mandatory obligation. In Minnesota, the state Board of Nursing is preparing to roll out new plans for criminal background checks on all applicants by 2018, something that will change how issues like drunk driving arrests are currently handled.
In some states, pharmacists, lawyers and even teachers are required to report criminal convictions immediately to their employers, though these requirements will be clarified in either your employment contract or in the rules of your professional association.
Why hire a Minnesota DWI Lawyer if you have been charged with a DWI
The best way to avoid potential issues with employers with regard to a drunk driving conviction is to do everything you can to try to prevent such a conviction. Therefore, it is very important to contact an experienced attorney immediately upon learning that you have been charged with a DUI related offense. An attorney can review the facts of your situation and then determine what legal strategy or issues can be raised in the defense of your case.
