If you have a DUI on your record, you may be wondering if it will show up on a background check. With that in mind, today we answer this common question and provide other insights about the background screening process.
Will a Background Check Show a DUI?
The answer is yes, in most cases, background checks show DUIs if the charge led to a conviction, although there are a few things to keep in mind. We review some of the most important in the sections below.
DUI vs DWI
Let’s begin by defining some basic terms. “DUI” stands for “Driving Under the Influence.” Some states use “DUI” for people who drive under the influence of alcohol and “Driving While Impaired” (or DWI) for people who drive with drugs in their systems.
Other states, like California, use DUI for both situations.
Regardless of how the terms are used, both DUI and DWI are criminal driving offenses in all states, according to the Cornell School of Law,
Different Types of DUIs
It is also worth noting that not all DUIs are the same.
States may classify DUIs as misdemeanors or felonies. For example, in California, most DUIs are charged as misdemeanors. However, a DUI is a felony in California when:
- A third party was injured
- It’s your fourth DUI within a 10-year period
- You have a prior DUI felony conviction
DUIs and Background Checks
So, to recap: in most cases, DUI convictions show up on pre-employment background checks.
And if an employer decides to gather more detailed information, for example, by running a Motor Vehicle Records check, then any DUIs will almost certainly turn up.
The way an employer deals with candidates with DUIs on their record will vary depending on several factors. For example, if the job involves driving professionally, a DUI can be enough to rule out a candidate.
For other types of positions, employers will weigh other factors, such as whether the DUI in question is a felony or a misdemeanor.
For more information about background checks, read our previous blogs, “Do Background Checks Show Warrants?” and “Are Background Checks Public Record?”
DISCLAIMER: The material on this website is for general information only and is not to be construed as legal advice or opinion.
Plexus Global: Dependable Background Screening Services
Plexus Global is a background screening company located in Riverside, California, serving organizations all over the U.S. and abroad.
Contact us today by telephone (844-516-1008), email (sales@plexusglobalinc.com), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
