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In Louisiana, a conviction for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) can have effects that go far beyond the courtroom. One of the most common concerns for individuals with a DWI record is whether the offense will appear during a background check, and if so, for how long. This question matters not just for employment, but also for housing, licensing, and even volunteer opportunities.
This blog post provides a neutral, clear explanation of how DWI convictions in Louisiana show up on background checks. It separates fact from assumption and outlines the basic types of background screenings where DWIs may appear. Whether you’re applying for a job, a rental, or a professional license, understanding what information shows up and how long it remains visible can help you plan ahead.
Keep in mind that this post is strictly informational. It doesn’t provide legal advice but aims to clarify how background checks work in relation to DWI records in Louisiana.
Let’s explore how DWI convictions are recorded, when they appear on background reports, and what you can do to manage their visibility over time.
Do DWI Convictions Show Up on Criminal Background Checks?
Yes. In Louisiana, a DWI conviction does appear on standard criminal background checks. A first-time DWI is typically classified as a misdemeanor, but it is still a criminal offense. If convicted, the offense is recorded by the Louisiana State Police and may be accessed by employers, agencies, and other organizations conducting background screenings.
The information that appears on a criminal background check typically includes:
- The date of the offense
- The court case number
- The charge and outcome (e.g., conviction, dismissal, plea deal)
- Sentencing or probation terms
This means that even if you’ve completed your sentence or probation, the record may still show up when someone checks your criminal history. Louisiana does not automatically remove DWI records from background checks after a certain time. Instead, the record remains unless it is formally expunged.
The type of background check used (local, state, or federal) can also determine how much information is pulled and how far back it goes.
What Types of Background Checks Show a DWI in Louisiana?
Not all background checks are created equal. In Louisiana, the type of check being performed plays a big role in whether a DWI appears. Here are the most common types:
- Employment Background Checks – Most employers run statewide or national criminal background checks. A DWI conviction will typically appear unless it has been expunged.
- Professional Licensing Checks – Licensing boards (e.g., healthcare, legal, financial) often perform detailed screenings that include criminal records. A DWI may impact approval decisions depending on the industry.
- Rental or Housing Applications – Landlords or property managers often use tenant screening services that pull public criminal records. A DWI may show up, especially if it is recent.
- Volunteer and School Screenings – Organizations working with children or vulnerable populations may conduct enhanced background checks where DWIs will likely be visible.
- Federal Background Checks – Federal checks for government jobs or security clearances often access sealed records and can still reveal expunged DWIs.
The visibility of your DWI on a background check depends not just on whether it exists, but also on who is asking and how deeply they’re looking.
How Long Does a DWI Stay Visible on a Background Check?
A DWI conviction in Louisiana remains visible indefinitely on a background check unless it is expunged. The state does not have an automatic system that removes or “drops off” DWI records after a certain number of years.
However, the impact of the DWI may lessen over time, especially after the 10-year lookback period ends. This lookback period is used by courts and prosecutors to determine repeat offenses but has no bearing on how background check systems report past convictions.
Employers and other institutions may place more weight on recent offenses, but older DWIs can still show up in full background reports. Some systems even retain information that is over a decade old, depending on how they source and store their data.
The only way to formally limit visibility in most cases is through Louisiana’s expungement process, which is covered in more detail below.
Can Expungement Remove a DWI From Background Checks?
Yes — expungement can remove a DWI conviction from publicly accessible background checks in Louisiana. Expungement involves sealing the record so it no longer appears in most employer or housing background reports.
Eligibility for DWI expungement in Louisiana typically requires:
- A first-offense misdemeanor DWI
- A 10-year waiting period from the date of conviction or sentence completion
- No other felony convictions during that time
- Full completion of all court requirements
Once expunged, the DWI should no longer appear in public-facing background checks. However, law enforcement, courts, and some licensing boards may still access the sealed record under specific circumstances.
Expungement is not automatic — it requires filing legal paperwork, paying fees, and going through a formal court process.
If you’ve had a DWI in the past and meet the eligibility requirements, expungement can significantly reduce its visibility on background checks and limit its long-term impact on your life.
What About DWI Arrests Without a Conviction?
Even if a DWI does not result in a conviction, the arrest record may still appear on certain background checks in Louisiana. This is particularly true if charges were filed but later dismissed, or if the case resulted in a diversion or deferred sentencing program.
These records can sometimes be flagged as “arrest only” or “case dismissed,” but they may still raise questions during background screenings.
The good news is that Louisiana law also allows for the expungement of arrest records, often under less strict requirements than convictions. Individuals who were arrested but not convicted may be eligible for record sealing sooner than the 10-year waiting period required for a conviction.
It’s important to know exactly how your case was resolved to determine what might appear on a background check and whether expungement is an option.
Do All Employers Check for DWI Convictions?
No — not all employers conduct criminal background checks, and those that do may not always look for DWI convictions specifically. The scope of the background check depends on:
- The type of position
- The employer’s internal policies
- Legal or insurance requirements related to the job
Jobs that involve driving, security clearance, financial responsibility, or contact with vulnerable populations are more likely to include DWI checks.
In some cases, employers may focus only on felony convictions, in which case a first-offense misdemeanor DWI might not be flagged. However, many screening systems report all criminal history, including misdemeanors and dismissed charges.
If a DWI has been expunged, most employers using standard background check services will not see it. However, more intensive screenings — such as those used by government agencies — may still reveal sealed records.
Frequently Asked Questions About DWI Background Checks in Louisiana
Will a DWI show up on a background check in Louisiana?
Yes. Unless it has been expunged, a DWI conviction typically appears on standard background checks.
Can a DWI prevent me from getting a job?
It depends on the employer and the type of job. Some employers may overlook older offenses, while others may consider them disqualifying.
Does expungement remove a DWI from background checks?
Yes, for most public-facing checks. Sealed records may still be accessible to law enforcement or certain agencies.
How long does a DWI stay on a background check in Louisiana?
Indefinitely, unless expunged. Louisiana does not automatically remove old DWI records.
What if I was arrested but not convicted?
The arrest may still show up. However, you may be eligible to expunge the arrest record under different rules.
Conclusion
A DWI conviction in Louisiana can appear on background checks for many years — sometimes indefinitely — unless it is formally expunged. These records can influence hiring decisions, housing applications, and other parts of life that require screening. While not all checks are the same, and not all employers weigh a DWI equally, the presence of the offense can raise flags in many situations.
Fortunately, Louisiana does offer a path to expungement, which can seal the conviction from public view if eligibility requirements are met. Whether you’re applying for a job or just want clarity about your record, understanding how background checks handle DWIs is an important part of managing long-term consequences.
For more insights into the lasting effects of a DWI, visit the DUI Records and Long Term Impact page. You can also explore the detailed guide on How DUI Convictions Appear on Background Checks to get a deeper understanding of this topic.