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 Nevada, a DUI/DWI conviction is considered a criminal offense and will appear on a criminal background check, which can impact employment opportunities. This is particularly true for jobs requiring a commercial driver's license (CDL), operation of heavy machinery, or roles responsible for public safety or sensitive information. Nevada law allows for the sealing of criminal records, including DUI/DWI convictions, under certain conditions, but expungement is not available in the state. The process for sealing a record involves a waiting period that varies depending on the severity of the offense, and not all DUI/DWI convictions may be eligible for sealing. As for employment, Nevada 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 limit the reasons for termination, and a DUI/DWI could potentially be a cause for termination if specified in the contract.