A DUI arrest can be a frightening, stressful, and embarrassing situation. One of the most common questions clients ask Attorney Thomas Thomasian is if they are required to inform their boss about their arrest.
The following are several circumstances where you must tell your employer about a DUI arrest:
- Your employment contract says you must disclose all arrests – Many employers have a policy that clearly states employees are required to tell them about any run-ins with the law. Failure to disclose an arrest and going against your employment contract can be viewed as a breach of contract, giving your employer a valid ground to fire you.
- You are required to drive for your employer – Whether you are a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder or drive a company vehicle, you have to report all traffic-related arrests and charges because your employer could be held civilly liable if you are involved in a crash while working. If an injured party proves that your boss knew or should’ve known about your DUI arrest and allowed you to drive regardless, your employer could be sued.
- You have a professional license – Professionals such as doctors, nurses, realtors, teachers, and even attorneys who are licensed by the state of Rhode Island must report arrests each time they review their professional license. If the licensing board discovers that you fail to address your DUI arrest, you could lose your license—and essentially your career.
- Your boss finds out – If your boss directly asks you about your DUI arrest, you shouldn’t lie. Although your employer may not fire you for your arrest, you could be fired for being dishonest.
Before you inform your boss about your DUI arrest, it is wise to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney first. Attorney Thomasian can review your case, determine your available legal options, and help you take the best course of action.
For more information about DUI in Rhode Island, contact us at (401) 312-4385 and schedule a free case evaluation today.