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 Maryland, a DUI/DWI conviction can indeed appear on a criminal background check and may negatively impact employment prospects, particularly in fields that require a commercial driver's license (CDL), the operation of heavy machinery, or roles responsible for public safety or sensitive information. Maryland employers, operating under at-will employment laws, can terminate an employee for a DUI/DWI arrest or conviction unless there is a written employment contract that specifies the conditions under which termination is allowed. Expungement or sealing of DUI/DWI records in Maryland is possible under certain conditions, such as if the case resulted in a probation before judgment (PBJ), except for CDL holders, or if the conviction is for a single non-violent crime and the individual has remained crime-free for a specified period. However, DUI/DWI convictions are generally not eligible for expungement if they resulted in a guilty verdict or plea. It's important for individuals with such convictions to consult with an attorney to understand their specific situation and any potential for expungement.