A DUI/DWI conviction will appear on a criminal background check requested by a prospective employer and may adversely affect employment opportunities in some professions, industries, and occupations—especially jobs (1) for which a commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required, (2) for which a person must operate heavy equipment or machinery, or (3) in which a person is entrusted with ensuring the safety of others (air traffic controller, police officer) or safeguarding sensitive information or data. Generally, the only way to remove a DUI/DWI conviction from appearing in some or all of such background checks is to have it expunged or sealed—which is only possible in limited circumstances.

In states in which employment is at-will an employer may terminate an employee for a DUI/DWI arrest or conviction. If the employee has a written employment contract there may be limitations on the grounds on which the employee may be terminated, and a DUI/DWI arrest or conviction may fall within those grounds of termination for cause—in other words, termination for an identified reason, and not for no reason, which is permissible under employment at will.

In California, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) conviction will indeed appear on a criminal background check and can negatively impact employment prospects. This is particularly true for positions requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL), operation of heavy machinery, or roles involving public safety or sensitive information. To potentially remove a DUI/DWI from a background check, one may seek expungement or sealing of the record, but eligibility for such relief is subject to specific legal criteria and is not guaranteed. California is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any legal reason, including a DUI/DWI arrest or conviction. However, if an employee has a written contract, the terms of the contract may provide certain protections against termination, and a DUI/DWI could constitute 'cause' for termination under such an agreement.