Can I Work At a Public School With a DUI On My Record?

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Can I Work At a Public School With a DUI On My Record?

Working at a public school can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Many people want to work with children because they find it to be a fulfilling experience that makes them feel as though they’re giving back, and they are. However, if you have a DUI on your record you might be hesitant about applying for work at a public school. Will you even be allowed to get a position there? There are many things that come into play when it comes to whether or not you’ll be able to work at a public school with a DUI on your record. Here are just a few considerations that your potential employer might make.

When Did You Get the DUI?

When you obtained your DUI, were you young? Did you make a mistake when you were 22 and it’s still on your record years later? Or did you get a DUI a year ago? How long it’s been since you received your DUI and how old you were when you got the DUI are two things that your potential employer at a public school might consider. If you made a mistake when you were younger and you’ve let a relatively clean life since, it might actually not keep you from obtaining  employment at a public school. However, recent charges or multiple charges might make obtaining that position more difficult for you.

What Position Are You Applying For?

The position you are applying for also has a lot to do with whether or not a DUI will matter. Obviously, if you were applying to be a bus driver for a public school district, having a DUI on your record is not ideal. It’s pretty likely that a public school will be hesitant to hire you as a bus driver if you’ve gotten a DUI in the past. However, if you were applying to work the front office or you want to work as a teacher’s assistant then you might have an easier time explaining away a DUI. However, any job that requires transportation of children might be more difficult for you to get if you have a DUI on your record.

What’s Your Work Experience Like?

A solid work experience might help a public school or school district feel better about hiring you, even if you have a DUI on your record. If you have a few years of work experience and your employers speak highly about you, you might still be able to get a job at a public school. However, if you have a spotty work experience or you don’t have any work experience, it might be a bit more difficult for you to make the case that you are a trustworthy and reliable employee who can be trusted around children. What it comes down to what the public school or school district is the safety of children. Drinking and driving is a dangerous and reckless act, so it’s going to take a lot to convince a public school to overlook that DUI charge.

What’s On Your Criminal Record?

Finally, any public school or school district who is looking to hire you will take a look at your criminal record. If you have nothing but one DUI on your criminal record, they might be more willing to negotiate with you or give you a chance. However, if you have multiple convictions, especially if they’re for dangerous crimes or are alcohol-related activities, you’re going to have a much more difficult time convincing them to hire you.

When it comes down to it, public schools are necessarily concerned with the safety of children. If they feel that you pose a threat, or even if they feel that you’re not as safe as they would like you to be based on your DUI, they can deny you a job. However, there are many cases in which you are able to expunge your DUI. Having your DUI expunged can help you obtain employment at a public school because they won’t be able to see that DUI. Even if they do see the DUI on your record, seeing that it was expunged is a huge mark in your favor. Be sure to hire a DUI attorney who is qualified and experienced in your state. Get a consultation today and take the first step down the road of protecting your rights, your freedoms, and your future.

 

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