April 18, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Getting a misdemeanor DUI in Indianapolis, Indiana, can feel stressful, especially if you’re worried about passing a background check. Background checks are common for jobs, housing, and other important opportunities. Understanding how a misdemeanor DUI affects your record can help ease your anxiety and prepare you for the future.
Here’s what you need to know about passing a background check with a misdemeanor DUI in Indiana.
Does a Misdemeanor DUI Appear on Background Checks in Indiana?
Yes, a misdemeanor DUI typically appears on most standard background checks in Indiana. Background checks commonly include criminal records at the county, state, and federal levels. Even though misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, they still create a criminal record.
Most Indiana DUI charges fall under Class A or Class C misdemeanors, depending on your blood alcohol content (BAC). These misdemeanor convictions usually show up clearly on your criminal background check, particularly within the first several years after conviction.
How Long Does a Misdemeanor DUI Stay on Your Record in Indiana?
In Indiana, a misdemeanor DUI stays permanently on your criminal record unless you have it expunged. Expungement is a legal process where a court orders your records sealed or hidden from public view.
Without expungement, your misdemeanor DUI conviction will appear whenever someone runs a background check. However, the older your conviction, the less likely it is to severely affect your employment or housing opportunities.
Can You Still Get a Job With a Misdemeanor DUI?
A misdemeanor DUI doesn’t automatically disqualify you from most jobs. Many employers look carefully at your entire background, not just your criminal record.
They often consider factors like:
- How long ago the DUI happened
- The seriousness of the offense
- If you have repeated DUI offenses
- Your honesty about the incident during the hiring process
- Steps you’ve taken since, like completing rehabilitation programs
For jobs involving driving, a recent DUI is more likely to impact your employment opportunities. For non-driving positions, employers might not view an older misdemeanor DUI as a significant problem.
Can You Expunge a Misdemeanor DUI in Indiana?
Indiana law allows you to expunge certain misdemeanor DUIs under specific conditions. If your DUI conviction was at least five years ago, you have completed your sentence, and you have no recent criminal charges, you might qualify for expungement.
Expunging your misdemeanor DUI can help you pass future background checks. After expungement, most employers won’t be able to see the conviction. However, law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access these records.
It’s always a good idea to talk with a criminal defense lawyer about expungement eligibility.
Tips for Passing a Background Check After a DUI Conviction
If you have a misdemeanor DUI conviction and face a background check soon, here are some tips to help improve your chances:
- Be honest: Employers value honesty. If asked about your criminal record, openly discuss your DUI. Explain how you’ve learned and changed since then.
- Show positive changes: Provide proof of rehabilitation, such as attending treatment programs, classes, or volunteer work.
- Seek expungement: If you qualify, expunge your DUI record to limit its visibility to employers.
- Highlight your strengths: Emphasize your qualifications, skills, and positive work history during interviews or on applications.
It won’t hurt to reach out to an attorney for help with this process as well. They can explain your legal rights and options once they have the facts of your case on hand.
Contact an Indiana DUI Attorney for Legal Help
Worrying about your criminal record showing up on a background check is understandable. However, you have options. An experienced Indiana DUI lawyer can guide you through the expungement process or help you navigate background check concerns.
If you’re ready to move past your conviction, contact an Indiana DUI attorney today for advice. A lawyer can help you protect your future by clearing or limiting your criminal record.
Contact the Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers For Help Today
For more information, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers give us a call today at (317) 759-2599 or visit us at our Indianapolis law office.
Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers – Indianapolis
101 W Ohio St #2000
Indianapolis, In 46204
(317) 759-2599
