{"id":355416,"date":"2025-07-15T15:43:02","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T20:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=355416"},"modified":"2026-03-26T14:37:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T19:37:48","slug":"can-you-be-fired-for-a-dui-outside-of-work","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/charges\/can-you-be-fired-for-a-dui-outside-of-work.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Be Fired for a DUI Outside of Work?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You Be Fired for a DUI Outside of Work?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Yes, in many cases an employer can fire someone if they learn of a recent DUI conviction. However, that doesn’t mean they always will. The job consequences of a DUI depend heavily on the type of job you have, company policies, and state law.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve recently been charged or convicted for driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated\/impaired (DWI), you may be wondering how it will affect your life. This might include concerns about your future, your family, and almost certainly, your employment.<\/p>\n

A DUI\/DWI<\/a> can impact your job, but it tends to affect different jobs in different ways. Since state law typically governs in this area, specific employment consequences of a DUI can also depend on your jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll answer commonly asked questions like whether you can get fired for a DUI. We\u2019ll also review general principles behind the ways a DUI might impact someone\u2019s employment.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re dealing with some of these concerns, you\u2019ll want to discuss your situation with a DWI\/DUI attorney licensed in your state<\/a>. They can explain the range of options that could help mitigate potential consequences to your employment.<\/p>\n

Getting a DUI or DWI Outside of Work<\/h2>\n

DUI and DWI are the legal terms used when someone is caught driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Precise definitions vary by state. But many states use the terms interchangeably, as we\u2019ll do here.<\/p>\n

Most states regard a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher while operating a motor vehicle to be drunk driving. For drugs, there\u2019s no universal limit. Instead, law enforcement may use various methods to determine impairment.<\/p>\n

DUIs\/DWIs are generally considered criminal offenses<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Will My Employer Find Out About My DUI?<\/h2>\n

That depends. If the charges are recent and you haven\u2019t been convicted, your employer probably won\u2019t find out unless:<\/p>\n