After a DUI arrest, you might wonder how this could affect your employment. This is especially important if your job involves crossing state lines. Does a DUI in Washington follow you if you work in Oregon, California, or another state? And what happens if you’re moving to Seattle for a new job but have a DUI from your previous state? 

After a DUI arrest, you need to know how these charges could affect your job if you work or are moving across state lines.

How a DUI Arrest Could Affect Your Job

Whether or not a DUI arrest affects your job depends on many factors—your employer’s policies, the nature of your work, and even the state’s laws. If you live in Seattle but work out of state, or if you’ve been transferred to Seattle after a DUI in another state, you need to pay close attention to the consequences of your DUI.

Can a DUI Arrest in Washington Affect My Job in Another State?

Absolutely. A DUI arrest doesn’t stay neatly confined to the state where it happened. Many states share information through the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC), which means that Washington will likely report your DUI to your home state or the state where you work. So, if you work in Oregon or California, for instance, they’ll likely know about the DUI.

Even if your employer isn’t legally required to know about your DUI, they may find out through background checks, random checks, or company policy. This is especially true if you work in fields that require driving, hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), or deal with sensitive information. A DUI can be seen as a red flag for trust and responsibility, and many employers take these charges seriously.

Will My Employer Get Notified of My DUI Arrest?

In many cases, your employer won’t automatically be notified of your DUI arrest unless your job involves a legal or regulatory requirement for disclosure. But it’s not always that simple. Some companies have policies that require employees to report arrests or convictions, especially if they work in a position that involves public safety, transportation, or government contracts. 

For example, if you're a truck driver, your CDL could be suspended, and your employer would certainly need to know. On the other hand, if you work in an office, it might not directly affect your job immediately—though that doesn't mean it can't in the future.

It gets even more complicated if your job requires you to travel between states. Certain companies require you to report arrests, even if they happened outside the state where you're employed. So, while you might live in Seattle and work in Oregon, both states could play a role in how your job is impacted.

What Happens If You’re Moving to Seattle with a DUI From Another State?

If you're moving to Seattle for work and have a DUI from a different state, it could follow you. Washington, like most states, will recognize out-of-state DUI convictions. This could mean complications when you apply for a new job, especially if it involves driving. Potential employers in Seattle might find your DUI through background checks, and if they do, it could affect your ability to get hired or even maintain your current employment if you’re relocating for a job transfer.

For instance, if you’re moving to Seattle to work in a position that requires you to drive, your new employer may run your driving record and discover the out-of-state DUI. In such a case, Washington's Department of Licensing may factor in your prior DUI when determining whether to grant or renew your license, especially if your job requires you to have a clean driving record.

Can Hiring a DUI Defense Lawyer Help Protect My Job?

So, where does this leave you? If you've been arrested for a DUI in Washington—or have a DUI from another state and are moving to Seattle—it's critical to get legal help sooner rather than later. A DUI lawyer can help minimize the damage to your career and ensure you do everything possible to keep your job.

One of the most important things an attorney can do is work to reduce the charges or penalties associated with your DUI. For instance, if your lawyer can reduce your charges or negotiate alternative penalties like alcohol counseling, it could lessen the long-term impact on your career. Additionally, if your job is at risk due to a suspended license, a DUI lawyer can help you apply for a restricted license that allows you to continue working.

Contact Our Seattle DUI Defense Lawyers Today

If you have been arrested for DUI, hiring a lawyer can help reduce its impact on your career. An experienced Seattle DUI defense attorney at Lewis & Laws, PLLC., can make sure you're taking the right steps to safeguard your future. Don’t wait until it’s too late to act—getting the right legal help now can make all the difference. 

At Lewis & Laws, we offer aggressive legal assistance to individuals from Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, and Washington State. Contact us today to explore your legal options. Protect your future and call us today!