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If you’ve been charged with or convicted of a DUI in Maryland, it’s natural to wonder how that will affect your future. One of the most pressing concerns for many people is how a DUI appears on background checks—particularly when applying for a job, housing, or a professional license.
In Maryland, a DUI is a criminal offense, and that means it can and often does appear on standard background checks. Whether you were convicted, received probation before judgment (PBJ), or had the charges dismissed, the outcome of your case plays a major role in what shows up.
This blog post explains how DUI records are stored in Maryland, who can see them, how different outcomes affect your record, and what to expect during background screening processes. If you’re worried about what a potential employer or landlord might find, this post gives you clear, neutral answers based on Maryland law.
How Criminal Records Work in Maryland
In Maryland, all criminal records—including DUI-related cases—are managed by the Maryland Judiciary Case Search system and associated databases. These records are public and can be accessed by employers, agencies, and even members of the public in many cases.
A DUI in Maryland is classified as a criminal offense, not a traffic ticket. That means the case becomes part of your criminal history, and unless the charges were dropped, dismissed, or expunged, the record can show up on a background check.
Even if the case didn’t result in a conviction, the fact that charges were filed may still appear in certain screenings unless the record has been formally expunged. The level of visibility depends on who is conducting the check and what kind of background screening they use.
Will a DUI Always Appear on an Employment Background Check?
Most employment background checks do reveal DUI offenses in Maryland—especially if there was a conviction. Employers typically use third-party screening services that pull data from both state and national databases, including the Maryland courts system and federal background check systems.
Here’s what may show up:
- Arrest date and charge (e.g., DUI under Transportation Article § 21-902)
- Court outcome (guilty, PBJ, dismissed)
- Sentencing details (probation, fine, jail time)
If you were convicted, that record will appear indefinitely. If you received PBJ, the record still exists and may show up unless it has been expunged (which, in the case of DUI PBJs, is generally not allowed in Maryland).
That said, not all employers treat DUI offenses the same. Some may overlook older or isolated offenses—especially if they are unrelated to the job responsibilities—while others may use it as a disqualifying factor, particularly for roles involving driving or safety.
How Do Housing, Licensing, and Government Checks Handle DUIs?
DUI records in Maryland may also appear during:
- Rental applications
- Professional license background checks
- Military or government employment screenings
- Immigration reviews or visa renewals
These types of checks often go deeper than basic employment screens. For example, professional licensing boards (such as those for healthcare or legal professions) often conduct full criminal history checks, including searches of state judiciary records and federal criminal databases.
Because DUI is considered a public safety issue, it may carry weight in these reviews even if it happened years ago. Some boards may request an explanation or documentation related to the offense as part of the application process.
What If the DUI Was Dismissed or I Was Found Not Guilty?
If your DUI case in Maryland was:
- Dismissed
- Nolle prosequi (not prosecuted)
- Resulted in an acquittal
- Placed on the “stet” docket (inactive)
…then you may be eligible to expunge the record, which can prevent it from showing up on most background checks.
However, until that expungement is requested and approved, the record still appears, even if the outcome was in your favor. Many people mistakenly assume that dismissal or acquittal automatically removes the record—it does not.
To remove the record entirely, you must file for expungement through the court and wait the required period (typically three years, though this may be waived for good cause in some cases).
Does a PBJ Show Up on Background Checks?
Yes. In Maryland, Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) for DUI still appears on background checks.
Although PBJ avoids a formal conviction, it is still considered a part of your legal record and is often visible to employers, licensing boards, and government agencies.
Even more importantly: PBJ for DUI cases is not eligible for expungement under Maryland law. That means it can remain visible indefinitely, depending on the type of check being run.
PBJ may still be beneficial when explaining the case to an employer—it shows you weren’t convicted—but it doesn’t guarantee the record won’t appear in background searches.
Will a DUI Always Affect Employment or Housing?
Not necessarily. While a DUI may appear on background checks, different entities make decisions based on:
- The age of the offense
- The severity of the case
- Whether it was a first-time or repeat offense
- The nature of the position (e.g., driving-related, government clearance, etc.)
- Whether any additional legal action was taken (e.g., probation violations)
For example, a DUI from 10 years ago may not be a deal-breaker for a tech job with no driving requirement, but it could raise flags in a job involving commercial vehicle operation or public safety.
Maryland law does not restrict employers from considering DUI history, though federal guidelines encourage employers to consider factors like relevance, rehabilitation, and recency.
What Can You Do If a DUI Is on Your Record?
If your DUI is visible in background checks and not eligible for expungement (which is often the case in Maryland), here are a few practical steps:
- Be honest if asked: Many employers appreciate transparency.
- Highlight time passed and good behavior: Emphasize a clean record since the offense.
- Prepare explanations: For professional licenses or interviews, be ready to discuss the offense factually and clearly.
- Check your record: Use the Maryland Judiciary Case Search to review what appears.
Being proactive helps you manage the impact of a visible record, even if you can’t remove it.
FAQ: DUI and Background Checks in Maryland
Will my DUI show up on a job background check in Maryland?
Yes. Most employment background checks will show a DUI conviction or PBJ, unless the case was dismissed and expunged.
Can I expunge a DUI so it doesn’t show up?
DUI convictions and PBJs are not eligible for expungement under Maryland law. Only dismissed or dropped charges may be expunged.
Does a dismissed DUI show up on a background check?
Yes—unless you take steps to expunge it. Dismissed cases do not disappear automatically.
What about housing background checks?
Landlords may see a DUI on your record, especially if using a full criminal background service.
Will a DUI affect professional licensing in Maryland?
It can. Licensing boards often conduct deep background checks and may consider DUI history when reviewing applicants.
Conclusion
In Maryland, a DUI can and often does appear on background checks—especially if it resulted in a conviction or a PBJ. While dismissed or dropped charges can sometimes be expunged, most DUI records remain visible and accessible indefinitely.
Understanding how these records are viewed by employers, landlords, and licensing boards is important when planning your next steps. While you may not be able to remove the DUI from your record, you can still prepare for how it will be seen and manage its impact over time.
For a complete overview of the long-term effects of DUI records, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page. To learn more about how DUI convictions appear on background checks, check out our guide on How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks.