Background Checks, Your Career, And Texas DWIs
Damaging consequences often follow Texas driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions. There can be jail time, lengthy probation sentences, expensive fines, and damage to your reputation. This reputation harm can lead to problems when you are applying for loans or seeking new job opportunities.
One of the ways individuals can discover your DWI arrest or conviction is through a background check. The amount of time the DWI will stay on a background check depends on if it was an arrest or a conviction. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a DWI arrest will be on your criminal background for a set period, up to seven years. But a DWI conviction could remain indefinitely. Talk to an experienced Houston DWI lawyer to understand how far the consequences of your DWI could ripple out into your life.
Federal Law and Refusal to Hire
When it comes to your career, there are protections in place. For instance, many employers under federal law can’t throw out your application for a position solely because of a DWI conviction. That said, there are industries that are exempted.
Professional fields that can bar a hire due to a DWI conviction:
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Childcare
Of course, even if a hiring manager can’t specifically state they are refusing to hire you because of a DWI on your record, they can point to another reason even though the DWI arrest or conviction has colored their view of your application.
Getting Arrest Expunged or Sealed
A legal professional could provide you with options to expunge or seal your record in certain circumstances. For example, an expungement may be possible if you plead to a lesser offense or were not convicted. But it’s important to file the correct paperwork and attend the appropriate hearings. An arrest will be on your record unless you see an expungement process through.
Also referred to as a nondisclosure order, a sealed record is different from expungement. When an arrest is sealed, it remains on your record but is not as visible. Commercial agencies and hiring managers won’t see it on your record, for instance. But government officials will see arrests on a sealed record. So the arrest could still create career issues if you are interested in a government position, particularly one that could require clearance for security reasons.
When you connect with a Houston DWI lawyer, they can inform you about next steps. If it is your first offense, there could be an option to expunge or seal your record and protect your future career aspirations.
Is it time for you to try and rebuild your life after a Texas DWI arrest? Our experienced legal team can provide you with the legal support you need. We have the knowledge to protect you whether you were charged with a DWI in connection to alcohol or prescription drug use. Reach out to the legal team at Ayson Law Firm to understand your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Houston criminal defense attorney today.
