One of the most common concerns for individuals facing DUI charges is whether a conviction will appear on a background check. Whether you’re applying for a job, housing, or even a professional license, knowing how a DUI can affect your future is crucial.
In this blog, we’ll explore how different types of background checks work, how they handle DUI convictions, and what options you may have for clearing your record. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free legal consultation.
Types of Background Checks: What You Should Expect
The type of background check conducted often determines whether a DUI will appear. Employers, landlords, and other entities use various background checks depending on their needs. Here’s a closer look at the two most common types.
Basic Background Checks: What Shows Up?
A basic background check is typically the one most often used by potential employers or landlords. These checks rely primarily on your social security number to search public criminal records. If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, it’s very likely that it will appear on this type of check unless your record has been sealed or expunged.
If your DUI has been expunged, it may not show up in the basic search. However, in some cases, it still can appear, which can cause concern. The good news is that if the conviction has been expunged, employers and landlords generally cannot use this information against you, with some exceptions. For example, if you’re applying for a job in law enforcement, there may be circumstances where even expunged records are considered.
Comprehensive Background Checks: A Deeper Dive
Comprehensive background checks go a step further. These checks are based on fingerprints and are commonly used when a person is applying for a state license or a job in industries like banking, healthcare, or education. Employers in these fields require a more thorough history, and a comprehensive check will show everything in your criminal record, including arrests and charges that may not have resulted in a conviction.
Even if your DUI conviction has been expunged or sealed, a comprehensive check will likely show this, along with an indication that the record has been cleared or sealed. Fields that require fingerprint background checks, such as security-sensitive roles or positions with a state agency, may still take your DUI into account, even if it has been legally expunged.
Expunging or Sealing a DUI Conviction: Is It Possible?
If you’ve already been convicted of a DUI, the next question is whether it’s possible to have the conviction expunged or sealed. This process can help clear your record, making it less likely to appear on background checks. While the laws vary, you may be eligible for expungement or sealing if:
- You have met all the terms of your conviction, such as completing probation.
- You did not serve time in state prison for the DUI offense.
- You are not facing any additional criminal charges.
If these conditions apply to you, Chambers Law Firm may be able to assist in getting your record expunged or sealed. This can provide peace of mind and significantly improve your chances of passing future background checks.
How We Can Help with Your DUI Case
Whether you’ve just been arrested for a DUI or are dealing with the consequences of a past conviction, it’s important to take action as early as possible. At Chambers Law Firm, we specialize in DUI defense and can help guide you through every stage of the process—from fighting the charges to expunging a conviction.
A DUI can have lasting effects on your career, housing opportunities, and personal life. However, with the help of an experienced DUI attorney, you may be able to minimize those impacts. If you’re facing charges or looking to clear your record, don’t wait. Contact Chambers Law Firm today at 714-760-4088 to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist with your case.
