advice requested--Carl

[JD24PA]

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania


Hi. Last posted about 2 months ago and would appreciate some advice. Am nearing the completion of my first time DUI in April 2005; completed all classes, recently paid off fines, the license suspension and have about 4 months left on unsupervised probation. Due to my working with children and the need for upcoming clearances, I accepted ARD that was offered by the DA. I may have to renew these clearances but have not mentioned anything about the DUI to my bosses at the company. I know for a fact that some other employees have a DUI against them as well but am not sure if they were part of the ARD program or not; I don't like talking about the incident at the workplace and aside from my family and lawyer, no one knows about anything. I'm not trying to excuse my actions--DUI is a terrible crime that arises from stupid judgment--but I don't drink anymore and I'm trying to put things behind me as best I can. Can anyone advise me on whether I should be proactive and speak to my boss before the clearances are sent out or should I wait it out? Thanks for the time.

[CdwJava]

Legally speaking, I can't say what might be best or what might be uncovered in the background. If it were me, I would be proactive and tell them what might be happening.

- Carl

[BelizeBreeze]

Originally Posted by JD24PA

What is the name of your state? Pennsylvania


Hi. Last posted about 2 months ago and would appreciate some advice. Am nearing the completion of my first time DUI in April 2005; completed all classes, recently paid off fines, the license suspension and have about 4 months left on unsupervised probation. Due to my working with children and the need for upcoming clearances, I accepted ARD that was offered by the DA. I may have to renew these clearances but have not mentioned anything about the DUI to my bosses at the company. I know for a fact that some other employees have a DUI against them as well but am not sure if they were part of the ARD program or not; I don't like talking about the incident at the workplace and aside from my family and lawyer, no one knows about anything. I'm not trying to excuse my actions--DUI is a terrible crime that arises from stupid judgment--but I don't drink anymore and I'm trying to put things behind me as best I can. Can anyone advise me on whether I should be proactive and speak to my boss before the clearances are sent out or should I wait it out? Thanks for the time.

If you lie about your record, you will give your employer grounds to fire or not hire you. A dui will not, in and of itself, disqualify you from working with children. However, lying about it will, from just about any job.

[BigMistakeFl]

From my personal experience, I can testify. Shortly after my arrest, I interviewed and did not disclose the arrest on the interview. Yeah, it showed up on a routine background check. I was the top candidate for the job hands-down, and it went to someone else. They did not state this as the reason, but it was pretty clear to me. I immediately ran a background check on myself on the internet and it was there, far more quickly did it hit the records than I thought it would.

My next interview, I disclosed fully, after all other phases of the interview were completed. I disclosed it directly to the owner of the company who was hiring me. Then I told the HR guy. The owner of the company had a first offense DUI on his record also. I got the job and am still here.

Being proactive is easier on your nerves and works far better in your favor. Trust me. Also, keeping your DUI under wraps ends up hurting a little too. You are only as healthy as the secrets that you keep. I have found that the more I tell about it, the better I feel. PLUS, (this will sound nutty) I no longer have to drink and drive. Everyone knows about my arrest and no one pressures me to switch from diet Coke when I go out, if I'm driving. That is one tremendous relief.