Yes. A DWI will show up on a criminal background check in Texas. What is more, an arrest for DWI may still appear on a background report even if you were never convicted. This can negatively affect your chances of getting a job, renting an apartment, or seeking some professional licenses.
If you are currently facing DWI charges, it is essential to take every step possible to keep a conviction from going on your record because it can haunt you long after you have paid the legal consequences. In fact, a DWI will stay on your record forever in most cases. If you already have a DWI arrest or conviction on your record, you should speak with an attorney about the possibility of getting it expunged or sealed. For a free case evaluation with Eddington Worley, call 855-600-6695 today.
Employer Background Checks in Texas
Many employers in Texas conduct extensive background checks on prospective hires. As a result, candidates have found themselves out of a job even for DWI arrests that did not lead to a conviction. If the position you are applying for involves driving, you can be almost certain that the company will scour your arrest record, looking for any evidence of a DWI or other improper behavior behind the wheel.
How a DWI Can Affect Your Career Opportunities
Texas employers may use the results of criminal background investigations to deny a job to a candidate. However, there are certain rules employers must follow to do so. One, if the employer uses a third-party agency to conduct the check, it must inform you, and you must sign a waiver giving your consent. Two, if the employer decides not to hire you on the basis of negative information in your background, it must inform you in writing of the specifics of this decision.
Some companies are forgiving of DWIs, especially ones that occurred years in the past, but others are not. It can depend on several factors: the company culture, the nature of the job, and the other candidates seeking the position. In a tough economy, you may find that a DWI on your record hurts you more, as the employer likely has more qualified candidates without a record vying for the job.
Getting Your DWI Arrest Expunged From Your Record
If you were arrested for DWI but did not get convicted, either because you were found not guilty, you pleaded down to a lesser offense, or the prosecution dropped the charges, your DWI arrest may still show up on a background check. But you can get it expunged from your arrest report, and a DWI defense attorney can help.
Expungement in Texas involves filing a petition and attending a hearing, where you and your attorney can present your case for why your DWI should be purged from your record. If the hearing is successful, the judge will issue an order of expungement.
Getting Your Record Sealed
An alternative to expungement is a nondisclosure order, also known as having your DWI arrest “sealed.” Unlike an expunged record, a sealed record does not actually disappear from your arrest history, but it is no longer visible to people, employers, or agencies who search your background.
The big caveat with nondisclosure is that certain government officials can still see your DWI arrest. So if you are applying for a high-level government position, such as one requiring a security clearance, your record may still cause you issues.
Per a recent Texas law, you may be eligible to seal your DWI conviction if it was your first offense and if you satisfy other criteria. A DWI attorney can help.
What to Do if You Are Currently Facing a DWI Charge
If you are currently facing DWI charges in Texas, you have options. First, you should speak with an attorney right away. Your lawyer can review your case and determine the best method of defense. It may involve pleading not guilty getting your DWI reduced to reckless driving.
Your lawyer can also work with you on getting your current DWI charge expunged after you avoid conviction.
Call Eddington Worley Today for a Free Case Evaluation —855-600-6695
If you are currently facing a DWI charge in Texas, or if you have an existing DWI charge or conviction on your record and want to learn more about your options, a defense lawyer from Eddington Worley can help. We believe in the presumption of innocence and fight for the rights of the accused and those who have paid their debt to society. For a free consultation, call our office today at 855-600-6695.
