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When applying for a job, housing, or a professional license, one common concern among Nebraska residents is whether a past DUI conviction will show up on a background check. The short answer: yes, it typically does. A DUI is classified as a criminal offense in Nebraska, and as such, it becomes part of your permanent criminal record—one that is accessible through most standard background check processes.
This post explains how DUI convictions appear on background checks in Nebraska, what kind of checks are most likely to reveal them, and how long this information remains visible. It also covers how different types of background checks access public records and how set-asides or juvenile offenses are handled in this context.
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI and are wondering what others might see when they run a background check on you, this guide will walk through what you need to know—clearly, factually, and without legal jargon.
DUI Convictions Are Public Record in Nebraska
In Nebraska, DUI offenses are prosecuted as criminal charges, typically starting as Class W misdemeanors. If convicted, that criminal conviction is entered into your permanent public record. Since most background checks access criminal court databases, this means a DUI will generally show up during any routine screening.
The Nebraska court system maintains digital records that are accessible to employers, landlords, and licensing boards through public and third-party background check services. These records usually include:
- The original charge (DUI)
- Disposition (e.g., convicted, dismissed, etc.)
- Sentencing outcome (e.g., probation, fines, jail time)
- Court location and case number
Because this information is public, there’s no need for a special request or deep legal inquiry. Standard background check tools and services can retrieve DUI conviction records along with other misdemeanor or felony entries.
Types of Background Checks That May Reveal a DUI
Not all background checks are the same. In Nebraska, whether your DUI shows up depends on the type and depth of the screening being conducted. Below are the most common types of checks and how they interact with DUI records:
- Basic Criminal History Checks: These checks pull data from state and county court databases. DUI convictions will be visible unless they have been legally sealed (which is rare for DUIs in Nebraska).
- Employment Background Checks: Most employers use third-party services that scan state criminal records, which will include DUIs unless the offense has been successfully sealed or dismissed.
- FBI and Level 2 Background Checks: These deeper screenings include fingerprint data and access to national databases. A DUI conviction in Nebraska will almost certainly appear here.
- DMV or Driving History Checks: While not part of a criminal check, these reveal DUI entries related to license suspensions or points. Employers hiring for driving roles may request both criminal and DMV checks.
In almost all cases, if you have been convicted of a DUI in Nebraska, it will show up unless there has been a court-approved change to the record.
How Long Does a DUI Stay Visible on Background Checks?
DUI convictions in Nebraska remain on your criminal record permanently unless sealed or set aside. Unlike points on a license or administrative actions that may expire over time, criminal convictions don’t automatically disappear.
This means that background checks conducted 10, 15, or even 20 years later may still display the DUI unless the record has been altered through a legal process. However, some employers may only review offenses within the last 5–10 years depending on their policies.
It’s also important to distinguish between criminal records and driving records. The DUI may fall off your Nebraska driving record after 15 years, but that does not affect your criminal record visibility on background checks.
Does a Set-Aside Prevent a DUI from Appearing?
Nebraska offers a legal remedy called a set-aside, which allows individuals who have completed their sentence or probation to request that the conviction be officially marked as “set aside” on the record. However, this process does not remove the conviction or make it invisible.
On background checks, a DUI that has been set aside may still appear—with a note indicating that the court has acknowledged successful completion of the sentence. Some employers may view this positively, but the original conviction is still part of the record.
So, while a set-aside can improve the context in which a conviction is seen, it does not erase the DUI from background checks.
Can a DUI Be Hidden or Sealed in Nebraska?
In general, adult DUI convictions cannot be sealed under Nebraska law. The sealing process is limited to very specific situations, such as:
- Arrests that did not result in a conviction
- Charges that were dismissed
- Certain juvenile offenses under specific conditions
If you were convicted as an adult, sealing is not an available option for DUIs in Nebraska. This means the offense will remain part of your background indefinitely unless future legislation changes the current rules.
For those charged as juveniles, record sealing may be possible once certain requirements are met, but this applies only in juvenile court cases—not adult criminal proceedings.
Why Employers and Agencies Care About DUI Records
Employers, licensing boards, and government agencies often conduct background checks to assess trustworthiness, responsibility, and risk. A DUI on your record can raise concerns, especially in positions that involve:
- Operating a vehicle
- Working with vulnerable populations
- Handling finances or sensitive information
- Carrying professional liability or licensure requirements
Each organization sets its own policies on how past offenses are evaluated. Some may automatically disqualify candidates with a DUI, while others may weigh the offense against the overall applicant history, including how long ago it occurred and whether there have been any repeat offenses.
In any case, knowing that a DUI will likely appear on your background check is essential when preparing for interviews, applications, or professional certifications.
FAQ: DUI Background Check Visibility in Nebraska
Will a DUI show up on an employment background check in Nebraska?
Yes. A DUI conviction will appear unless it has been sealed (which is extremely rare for DUIs).
Can a DUI conviction be removed from my record in Nebraska?
No. Nebraska does not allow expungement for DUI convictions. A set-aside is possible but does not remove the offense.
Does a set-aside hide my DUI from employers?
No. It adds a note that you completed your sentence, but the DUI conviction is still visible.
Do background checks show DUIs from more than 10 years ago?
Yes, unless sealed or otherwise modified. Criminal convictions do not expire in Nebraska.
Can a juvenile DUI be sealed in Nebraska?
Possibly. Juvenile offenses may be eligible for sealing under certain conditions, unlike adult convictions.
Will my insurance company see the DUI on a background check?
Insurance companies typically use driving record data, not criminal background checks, but a DUI may appear on both.
Does every employer check for DUI records?
No, but many do—especially in roles involving transportation, safety, or public trust.
Conclusion
In Nebraska, a DUI conviction will almost always show up on background checks—whether you’re applying for a job, housing, or a professional license. Criminal records in the state are public and remain visible indefinitely unless sealed or modified through a rare legal process. Even a set-aside does not prevent a DUI from appearing in most standard screenings. Knowing this in advance can help you prepare for how to present your history and navigate the application process more effectively.
For more information on how DUI records impact your future, visit the DUI Records And Long Term Impact page.
To learn more about how DUI convictions appear on background checks, read the full How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks guide.