Should I Tell My Boss About My DWI Arrest and Pending Charges?
A DUI arrest doesn’t just threaten your driver’s license—it can put your job at risk. So, do you have to tell your employer if you get a DUI?
In most cases, you are not legally required to tell your boss about a DUI arrest—unless your job involves driving, a professional license, or company policy demands disclosure.
As a Minnesota criminal defense attorney with decades of experience, I’ve helped thousands of professionals protect their rights and their reputations after a DUI. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly when disclosure is required, how employers typically find out, and how a DUI can affect your career, both now and in the future.
How Do Employers Find Out About a DUI Arrest?
Your employer won’t automatically be notified of your DUI arrest, but that doesn’t mean they won’t find out. Here are the most common ways a DUI comes to light:
Background Checks
Most employers run background checks when hiring. These checks often pull from court records, law enforcement databases, and DMV reports. In Minnesota, a misdemeanor DUI is a criminal offense that appears on both criminal and driving records unless expunged.
Learn more about Minnesota’s background check laws from the state’s official licensing portal.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Monitoring
If you drive for work, your employer may monitor your driving record through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. A DUI will typically appear on your MVR for 10 years or more.
Mandatory Disclosure by Law or Contract
Jobs regulated by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) or Minnesota Board of Nursing may require you to self-report arrests or convictions. Failing to do so could lead to disciplinary action, license suspension, or termination.
Public Records and Media
A DUI arrest is a public record in Minnesota. Employers may find out through court websites, online databases, or local news stories—especially in small communities.
Will My Employer Be Notified of My DUI?
Not automatically. But certain job types and circumstances increase the chances your employer will find out. Here’s a breakdown:
| DUI Scenario | Will Employer Be Notified? |
|---|---|
| New Job Background Check | Yes |
| Driving Job (MVR Monitored) | Yes |
| Public Safety/Medical Role | Yes, often required to self-report |
| General Office Job | Unlikely |
What Happens If You Don’t Tell Your Employer About a DUI?
What are the consequences of not telling your boss about a DUI if disclosure is required?
If your employer requires you to report a DUI and you don’t, you could be fired for violating company policy or breaching trust, even if the DUI alone wouldn’t have caused termination.
Failing to disclose a DUI arrest when you’re legally or contractually obligated to can be seen as dishonesty or misconduct. Many companies have policies that require immediate notification of any criminal charges—especially in safety-sensitive or licensed professions. If your employer finds out later through a background check, driving record pull, or licensing agency report, they may terminate your employment for non-disclosure or misrepresentation.
How a DUI Can Impact Your Job
A DUI can lead to immediate or long-term job consequences, especially if your role is sensitive, regulated, or safety-focused.
Termination
Minnesota is an “at-will” employment state. You can be fired for almost any legal reason, including a DUI arrest, especially if it violates your company’s conduct policy or affects your job performance.
Loss of License
A DUI arrest often results in license suspension. If your job requires driving (e.g., sales, delivery, CDL), you may become ineligible to work until you regain restricted driving privileges.
Professional Discipline
Many licensed professionals must report DUIs to their state boards. Nurses, teachers, pilots, and others may face license review or mandatory substance abuse evaluations.
Missed Work & Scheduling Conflicts
DUI cases come with court appearances, chemical assessments, treatment, and possibly jail time. These obligations can conflict with work hours and lead to poor attendance or scheduling issues.
Can I Still Drive for Work With a DUI?
Is it possible to keep a job that requires driving after a DUI arrest in Minnesota?
You may still be able to drive for work after a DUI by obtaining a restricted or limited license, depending on your charges and driving record.
In Minnesota, individuals facing license suspension after a DUI may qualify for a limited license (also known as a work permit) under certain conditions. This allows you to drive to and from work, treatment, court-mandated programs, or child care. Eligibility depends on your prior DUI history, refusal to test, and how quickly you act after arrest. Applying for a limited license promptly can help maintain your employment while your case proceeds.
Learn more about limited licenses from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Is It Hard to Get a Job With a DUI?
Yes, it can be more difficult—but not impossible.
According to a recent survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 49% of employers would consider hiring someone with a non-violent misdemeanor, including DUI, if it’s a first-time offense and the applicant shows signs of rehabilitation.
Will a DUI Arrest Show Up on a Background Check?
Does a DUI arrest appear on criminal or driving background checks when applying for jobs?
Yes, a DUI will usually show up on background checks unless the record has been expunged. It can appear in both criminal history reports and driving records, depending on the type of check conducted.
Employers conducting a full background check may access court records, law enforcement databases, and DMV reports. In Minnesota, even a misdemeanor DUI is considered a criminal offense and will likely remain visible unless formally sealed. If you’re applying for a job that includes driving, your potential employer may also review your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR), which will show alcohol-related offenses for up to 10 years or longer.
For more on expunging records in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch Expungement Resource
How Employers View Different DUI Arrest Scenarios
| DUI Scenario | Percent of Employers Willing to Hire |
|---|---|
| First-Time DUI (5+ years ago) | 76% |
| First-Time DUI (1–5 years ago) | 68% |
| Multiple DUI Convictions | 42% |
| DUI with Completed Rehab | 82% |
This chart showing employer willingness to hire applicants based on DUI history and rehabilitation status.
Protect Your Future—Act Before It’s Too Late
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Minnesota, your job and reputation could be on the line. But you don’t have to face it alone.
At Gerald Miller, P.A., we know how to minimize the damage a DUI arrest can cause to your career. From fighting charges to seeking reduced penalties and sealing records, our team will fight to protect your employment and future.
Call 612-341-9080 now for a free, confidential consultation with a top-rated Minneapolis DUI attorney. Your career may depend on it.
Further Reading:
- How To Get a DWI Dismissed in Minnesota
- Can a DWI Conviction Be Expunged in Minnesota?
- DWI Defense Based on Challenging Breath Test
- What Are the Different Levels of DWI in Minnesota?
