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 Connecticut, a DUI/DWI conviction is a matter of public record and will appear on a criminal background check, which can be accessed by prospective employers. Such a conviction can indeed negatively impact employment opportunities, particularly for positions that require driving, operating heavy machinery, or involve public safety or security. For jobs requiring a CDL, a DUI/DWI can lead to disqualification. Expungement or sealing of DUI/DWI records in Connecticut is possible under certain conditions, such as the passage of a specified amount of time and the absence of subsequent offenses, but it is not guaranteed and is subject to the discretion of the court. Regarding employment, Connecticut is an at-will employment state, meaning employers can terminate employees for any legal reason, including a DUI/DWI arrest or conviction, unless there is a written employment contract that specifies the conditions under which termination is permissible. In cases where such a contract exists, a DUI/DWI may constitute grounds for termination for cause if it is specified within the contract's terms.